Nirto^iEnBlanys JHeinotial. 



To t\\e \\\V»Vick. 



The publisher deems it unnecessary to offer any apolog-y to 
the publick in presenting- a new edition of New England's Me- 
morial. Our elders of tlie present generation have seen, and 
read, and hold dear its authentic and precious details; but, it 
bas been absolutely beyond the reach of the middle-aged and 
I'ue young, to buy or to borrow this book for perusal. There 
was even some difficulty in hunting up a copy for the impress- 
ion, now ready for distribution. The community have felt and 
expressed uneasiness ; and it is not strange. This is not one of 
that class of books, one or two copies of which in a circulating 
library answer the purpose of a village. Every man, old or 
young, wants it on his shelf. He wants it for himself, and for 
his children. It is delightful to see with what eagerness the 
children treasure up its contents. This edition has been pub- 
lished to answer the publick demand, and the price is low to 
bring it within the means of all. 

Plymouth, Nov. 1826, 



THE 

OR, 

A BRIEF RELATION OF THE MOST MEMORABLE AND REMARKABLE 

PASSAGES OF THE PROVIDENCE OF GoD, MANIFESTED TO THE 

PLANTERS OF NEW-ENGLAND, 
IN AMERICA : 

WITH 
SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE FIRST COLONY THEREOF, CALLED 

NEW PLYMOUTH. 



A nomination of divers of the most eminent instruments deceas- 
ed, both of Church and Commonwealth, improved Iq 
the first beginning-, and after progress of sundry 
of the respective jurisdictions in those parts: 
In reference unto sundry exemplary 
passages of their lives, and the 
time CI their death. 

Published/or the use and benejit of present and future generations. 



BY NATHANIEL MORTON, 

Secretary to the Court for the Jurisdiction of New PJymouth. 



Deut. xxxii. 10. He found him in a desert land, in the waste 

howling wilderness he led him about ; he instructed him, he 

kept him as the apple of his eye. 
Jer. ii. 2,3. I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the 

love of thine espousals, when thou wenlest after me in the 

wilderness, io a land that V7as not sown, &c. 



PLYMOUTE^, Mass. 

REPRINTED BY ALLEN DANFORTH. 



1826. 






/' /^o?j 



TO THE READER, 

IT is much to be desired there mig-ht be extant a complete 
history of tlie united colonies of New Eng'land, that God mn 
have the praise of his goodness to his people here, and thai t!i 
present and future generations may have the benefit thereof. 
This being not attainable for the psesent, nor suddenly to be ex- 
pected, it is very expedient, that (while sundry of the eldest 
planters are yet living) records and memorials of remarkable 
providences be preserved and published, that the true originals 
of these plantations may not be lost ; that New England, in all 
ti;nes to come, may remember the day of her smallest things, 
and that there may be a turaiture of mateiials for a true and 
full history in after times. 

For these and sucIj like reasons we are willing to recommend 
unto the reader this present narrative, as a useful piece. The 
author is an approved godly man, and one of the first planters 
at Plymouth ; tlie work itself is compiled with modesty of spirit, 
simplicity of style, and truth of matter, containing tise annals of 
New-England for the space of 47 years, with special reference 
lo Plymouth colony, which was the first, and where the auttjor 
hath had his constant abode : And yet (so far as his intelligence 
did reach) relating many remarkable passages ia the several 
colonies : And also making an honourable mention of divers of 
the most eminent servants of God that have been amongst us in 
several parts of the country, ai'ter they had finished their course. 
We hope that the labour of this good man will find a general 
acceptance amongst the peopie of God, and also be a means to 
provoke s.)me or other in the rest of the colonies (who have had 
kaowledge of things from the beginning) to contribute their ob- 
servations and rneitiorials also ; by vvhicl) means, what is want- 
ing in this narrative, may be supplied by some others : And so 
in the issue, from divers memorials, there may be' matter for a 
just history of New England in the Lord's good time. In the 
mean time, this may stand for a monument, and be deservedly- 
acknowledged as an Ebenezer, that hitherto the Lord hath 
helped us. 

JOHN HIGGINSON, 

March 26, 1669. THOMAS THACHER. 



To THE Right Worshipful 

THOMAS PRINCE, ESQ. 

Governor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. 
With the Worshipful, the 

MAGISTRATES, HIS ASSISTAlSfTS IN THE SAID GOV- 
ERNMENT. 
N. M. wisheth peace and prosperity in this life, and 

eternal happiness in that which is to come. 
Right Worshipful, 

The consideration of the weight of duty that lies 
upon us to commemorize to future generations the 
memorable passages of God's providence to us and 
our predecessors, in the beginning of this plantation, 
hath wrought in me a restlessness! of spirit, and ear- 
nest desire, that something might be achieved in that 
behalf, more (or at least otherwise) than as yet hath 
been done. Many discouragements I have met with, 
both from within and without myself: But reflecting 
upon the ends I have proposed to myself in setting out 
in this work, it hath aflfbrded me some support, viz. 
The glory of God, and the good of present and future 
generations. Being also induced hereunto, by the con- 
sideration that yourselves (especially some of you) are 
fully acquainted with many of the particulars, both 
concerning persons and things, inserted in the follow- 
ing narrative, and can on your own knowledge assort 
them for truth. Were it so that any other had trav- 
elled in this kind, in such a way as might have con- 
duced to a brief and satisfactory intelligence in par- 
ticulars relating to the premises, 1 would have spared 
this labour, and have satisfied myself in perusal of 
iheir works, rather than to have set pen to paper 



Vm THE EPISTLE DEPICATORY. 

about the same ; but having never seen noV heard of 
any, especially respecting this our plantation of New 
Plymouth, which God hath honored to be the first in 
this land ; 1 have made bold to present your worships 
with, and to publish to the world, something of the 
very first beginnings of the great actions of God in 
New England, begun at New Plymouth : Wherein the 
greatest part of my intelligence hath been borrowed 
from my much honoured uncle, Mr. William Brad- 
ford, and such manuscripts as he left in his study, 
from the year 1620, unto 1646 ; whom had God con- 
tinued in this world some longer time, and given him 
rest from his other more important affairs, we might 
probably have had these things from an abler pen, 
and better digested, than now you may expect. Cer^ 
tain diurnals of the honoured Mr. Edward Winslow, 
have also afforded me good light and help ; and what 
from them both, and otherwise I have obtained, that 
I judged suitable for the following discourse, 1 have 
with care and faithfulness related ; and have therein 
more solicitously followed the truth of things, (many 
of which 1 can also assert on my own knowledge) than 
1 have studied quaintness in expressions. 

1 should gladly have spoken more particularly of 
the neighbouring united colonies, whose ends and 
aims, in their transplanting of themselves and families, 
were the same with ours, viz. The glory of God, the 
propagation of the gospel, and the enlargement of his 
Majesty's dominions ; but for want of intelligence, 
and that I may not prevent a better pen, I shall only 
make mention of some of their worthies that we have 
been most acquainted with. 

I shall not insist upon the clime nor soil of the 
country, its commodities or discommodities ; nor at 
large on the natives, or their customs or manners ; 
all which have been already declared by Capt. Smith, 
Mr. Iligginson, Mr. Williams, Mr. Wood, and others. 
"What it is, and what mv aims at God's u,\ory, and my 
good affection to the place and people of whom 1 trear. 



THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. IX 

may make it, 1 present yonr worships with ; humbly 
craving your favourable aspect, and good acceptance 
of my poor endeavours ; and that myself and it may 
tind protection and shelter under the wings of your 
pious patronage, to defend us against such critical and 
censorious eyes and tongues, as may either carp at 
my expressions, or misconstrue my intentions. The 
ample experience 1 have had of your undeserved la- 
vourand respect to me, in my many years' service of 
the public, and my observation in that time, that you 
have desired something of this nature might be done, 
hath encouraged me hereunto : Your good acceptance 
whereof shall ever oblige me to answerable returning 
of gratitude, and administer to me further cause of 
thankfulness, that God hath given me an habitation 
under your just and prudent administrations ; and 
wish for a succession of such as may be skilful to lead 
our Israel in this their peregrination ; and when God 
shall take you hence, to receive the crown of your 
labours and travels. So prayeth. 

Your Worships'' humble servant^ 

NATHANIEL xMORTON. 



TO THE CHRISTIAN READER. 

Grace and Peace be multiplied; with profit by this 
following narration. 

Gentle Reader, 

I have for some length of time looked upon it as a 
duty incumbent, especially on the immediate success- 
ors of those that have had so large experience 
of those many memorable and signal demonstrations 
of God's goodness, viz. The first beginners of this 
plantation in New England, to commiu to writing his 
gracious dispensations on that behalf; having so ma- 
ny inducements thereunto, not only otherwise, but so 
plentifully in the sacred scriptures : That so, what we 
have seen, and what our fathers have told us, we may 
not hide from our children, shewing to the genera- 
tions to come the praises of the Lord ; Psalm Ixxiv. 
3, 4. That especially the seed of Abraham, his ser- 
vant, and the children of Jacob, his chosen, may re» 
member his marvellous works (Psalm cv. 8, 9,) in the 
beginning and progress of the planting of New Eng- 
land, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth: 
How that God brought a vine into the wilderness ; 
that he cast out the heathen, and planted it, and 
he also made room for it, and he caused it 
to take deep root, and it filled the land ; so that 
it hath sent forth its boughs to the sea, and its branch- 
es to the river, Psalm Ixxx. 8, 9. And not only so, 
but also that He hath guided his people by his strength 
to his holy habitation, and planted them in the moun- 
tain of his inheritance, (Exodus XV. 13,) in respect of 
precious e;ospel-enjoyments. So that we may not on- 
ly look back to former experiences of God's goodness 
to our predecessors, (though many years before) and 
so have our faith strengthened in the mercies of God 
for our times ; that so the church being one numeri- 



TO THE CHRISTIAN READER. Xl 

cal body, might not only even for the time he spake 
with us in our forefathers, (Hosea xii. 4,) by many- 
gracious manifestations of his glorious attributes, 
wisdom, goodness, and truth, improved for their good ; 
but also rejoice in present enjoyments of both out- 
ward and spiritual mercies, as Iruits of their prayers, 
tears, travels and labours : That as especially God 
may have the glory of all, unto whom it is most due; 
so also some rays of glory may reach the names of 
those blessed saints that were the main instruments of 
the beginning of this happy enterprise. 

So then, gentle reader, thou mayest take notice, 
that the main end of publishing this small history is, 
that God may !iave his due praise, his servants, the 
instruments, have their names embalmed, and the 
present and future ages may have the fruit and bene- 
fit of God's great work, in the relation of the first 
planting of New England. Which ends, if attained, 
will be great cause of rejoicing to the publisher there- 
of, if God give him life and opportunity to take notice 
thereof. 

The method I have observed is, (as I could) to 
some measure answerable to the ends forenamed, in 
inserting some acknowledgment of God's goodness, 
faithfulness, and truth, upon special occasions, with 
allusion to the scriptures ; and also taking notice of 
some special instruments, and such main and special 
particulars as were perspicuously remarkable, in way 
of commendation in them, so far as my intelligence 
would reach ; and especially in a faithful commemo- 
rizing, and declaration of God's wonderful works for, 
by, and to his people, in preparing a place for them, 
by driving out the heathen before them ; bringing 
them through a sea of troubles; preserving and pro- 
tecting them from, and in those dangers that attend- 
ed them in their low estate, when they were stran- 
gers in the land ; and making this howling wilder- 
ness a chamber of rest, safety, and pleasantness, whilst 
the stormiS of his displeasure have not only tossed, but 



XU TO THE CHRISTIAN READER. 

endangered the overwhelmiag of great states and 
kingdoms, and hath now made it to us a fruitful land, 
sowed it with the seed of man and beast; but espec- 
ially in giving us so long a peace, together with the 
gospel of peace, and so great a freedom in our civil 
and religious enjoyments ; and also in giving us hopes 
that we may be instruments in his hands, not only of 
enlarging of our Prince's dominions, but to enlarge 
the kingdom of the Lord Jesus, in the conversion of 
the poor blind natives. 

And now, courteous reader, that 1 may not hold 
thee too long in the porch, I only crave of thee to 
read tliis following discourse with a single eje, and 
with the same ends as I had in penning it. Let not 
the smallness of our beginnings, nor weakness of in- 
struments, make the thing seem little, or the work 
despicable, but on the contrary, let the greater praise 
be rendered unto God, who hath effected great things, 
by small means. Let not the harshness of my style 
prejudice thy ta«te or appclite to the dish I present 
thee with. Accept it as freely as I give it. Carp 
not at what thou dost not approve, but use it as a re- 
membrance of the Lord's troodnoss, to engage a true 
thankfulness and obedience; so it may be a help to 
thee in thy journey through the wilderness of this 
world, to that eternal rest, which is onl}- to be found 
m the heavenly Canaan : Which is the earnest de- 
sire of 

Thy christian friend 

NATHANIEL MORTON. 



NEW-ENGLAND'S 

MEMORIAL: 

OR, 

A brief relation of the most remarkable 
passages of the Providence of God, 
manifested to the planters of NEW- 
ENGLAND in AMERICA. And 
first of the beginning of the first plan- 
tation in New-England, called 



IT is the usual manner of the dispensation of the 
Majesty of Heaven, to work wonderfully by weak 
means for the effectuating of great things, to the in- 
tent that he may have the more glory to himself: 
Many instances hereof might be produced, both out 
of the sacred scriptures, and common experience ; and 
amongst many others of this kind, the late happy and 
memorable enterprise of the planting of that part of 
America called New-England, deserveth to be corn- 
memorized to future posterity. 

In the year 1 602, divers godly Christians of our En- 
glish nation, in the North of England, being studious 
of reformation, and therefore not only witnessing a- 
gainst human inventions, and additions in the worship 



H NEW-£NGLAND's MEMORfAt/* 

of God, but minding most the positive and practical 
part of divine institutions, tiiey entered into covenant 
to walic with God, and one with another, in the en- 
joyment of the ordinances of God, according to the 
primitive pattern in the word of God. But finding 
bj experience they could not peaceably enjoy their 
own liberty in their native country, without offence 
to others that were differently minded ; they took up 
thoughts of removing themselves and their families 
into the Netherlands, which accordingly they endeav- 
oured to accomplish, but met with great hindrance; 
yet after some time, the good hand of God removing 
obstructions, they obtained their desires ; arriving in 
Holland, they settled themselves in the city of Ley- 
den, in the year 1610, and there they continued di- 
yers years in a comfortable condition, enjoying much 
sweet society and spiritual comfort in the ways of 
God, living peaceably amongst themselves, and being 
courteously entertained, and lovingly respected by 
the Dutch, amongst whom they were strangers, having 
for their pastor Mr. John Robinson, a man of a learn- 
ed, polished, and modest spirit, pious and studying of 
the truth, largely accomplished with suitable gifts and 
qualifications to be a shepherd over this flock of Christy 
having also a fellow helper with him in the eldership^ 
Mr. William Brewster, a man of approved piety, grav- 
ity, and integrity, very eminently furnished with gifts 
suitable to such an office. 

But notwithstanding their amiable and comfortable 
carrying on (as hath been said) although the church 
of Christ on earth in holy writ, is sometimes called 
heaven ; yet there is always in their most perfect 
state, here in this lowei world, very much wanting as 
to absolute and perfect happiness, which is only re- 
served for the time and place of the full enjoyment of 
celestial glory ; for, although this church was at peace 
and in rest at this time, yet they took up thoughts of 
removing themselves into America with common con- 
tent ; the proposition of removing thither being set on 



^fiW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL, 16 

foot, and prosecuted by tlie elders upon just and 
woightj grounds; for although they did quietly and 
sweetly enjoy their church liberties under the States, 
3'et thej foresaw that Holland would be no place for 
their church and posterity to continue in comibrtably, 
at least in that measure that they hoped to find abroad ; 
and that for these reasons following, which 1 shall re- 
cite as received fronr) themselves. 

First, Because themselves were of a different lan- 
guage from the Dutch where they lived, and were set- 
tled in their way, insomuch that in ten years time, 
whilst their church sojourned amongst them, they 
could not bring them to reform the neglect of observa- 
tion of the Lord's day as a sabbath, or any other thing 
amiss among them. 

Secondly, Because their countrymen, who came 
over to join with them, by reason of the hardness of 
the country, soon spent their estates, and were then 
forced either to return back to England, or to live 
very meanly. 

1 hirdly, That many of their children, through the 
extreme necessity that was upon them, although of 
the best dispositions, and graciously inclined, and wil- 
ling to bear part of their parents' burthens, were oft- 
entimes so oppressed with their heavy labours, that 
although their spirits were free and willing, yet their 
bodies bowed under the weight of the same, and be- 
came decrepid in their early youth, and the vigour of 
nature consumed in the very bud. And that which 
was very lamentable, and of all sorrows most heavy to 
be borne, was, that many by these occasions, and the 
great licentiousness of youth in that country, and the 
manifold temptations of the place, were drawn away 
by evil examples into extravagant and dangerous 
courses, getting the reins on their necks, and depart- 
ing from their parents : Some became soldiers, oth- 
ers took upon them far voyages by sea, and others 
some worse courses, tending to dissoluteness, and the 
destruction of their souls, to the great grief of their 



16 NEW-ENGtAND's MEMORIAL* 

parents, and the dishonour of God ; and that the place 
being of great licentiousness and liberty to children, 
they could not educate them, nor could they give 
them due correction without reproof or reproach 
from their neighbours. 

Fourthly, That their posteritj' would in a few gen- 
erations become Dutch, and so lose their interest in 
the English nation ; they being desirous rather to en- 
large his Majesty's dominions, and to live under their 
natural Prince. 

Fifthly and lastly, and which was not the least, a 
great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some 
good foundation, or at least to make some way there- 
unto, for the propagating and advancement of the gos- 
pel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of 
the world, yea, although they should be but as step- 
ping stones unto others for the performance of so 
great a work. 

This hath been graciously answered since, by mov- 
ing the hearts of many of his servants to be very in- 
strumental in this work, with some good success, and 
hopes of a further blessing in that respect. 

These and such like were the true reasons of their 
removal, and not as some of their adversaries did, up- 
on the rumour thereof, cast out slanders against them ; 
as if the state were wear}' of them, and had rather 
driven them out, (as heathen histories have feigned 
of Moses and the Israelites, when they went out of 
Egypt) than that it was their own free choice and 
motion. 

I will therefore mention a particular or two, to 
evince the contrary. 

And first, although some of them were low in their 
estates, yet the Dutch observing that they were dili- 
gent, faithful, and careful of their engagements, had 
great respect to them, and strove for their customs. 

Again, secondly, The magistrates of the city of Ley- 
den where they lived, about the time of their coming 
away, in the public place of justice, gave this com- 



new-England's memorial. 17 

urendable testimony of them, in reproof of the Wal- 
loons who were of the French church in the city : 
These English (said ihey) have lived now amongst us 
ten years, and yet we never had any suit or ac- 
cusation against them, or any of them, but your strifes 
and quarrels are continual. 

The reasons of their removal above named being 
debated first in private, and thought weighty, were 
afterwards propounded in public ; and after solemn 
days of humiliation observed both in public and in 
private, it was agreed, that part of the church should 
go before their brethren into America, to prepare for 
the rest : And if in case the major part of the church 
did choose to go over with the first, then the pastor 
to go along with them^ but if the major part stayed, 
that he was then to stay with them. 

They having employed sundry agents to treat with 
several merchants in England, who adventured some 
considerable sums in a way of valuation to such as 
went personally on the voyage ; the articles of agree- 
ment about the premises being fully concluded with 
the said merchants,and sundry difficulties and obstruc- 
tions removed, having also obtained letters patent for 
the northern parts of Virginia, of King James of fa- 
mous memory : All things were got ready and pr6- 
vided, a small ship was bought and fitted out in Hol- 
land, of about sixty tons, called the Speedwell^ as to 
serve to transport some of them over, so also to stay 
in the country, and attend upon fishing, and such oth- 
er aflairs as might be for the good and benefit of the 
colony when they came thither. Another ship was 
hired at London, of burthen about nine score, called 
the May Flower, and all other things got in readiness ; 
so being prepared to depart, they had a solemn day of 
humiliation, the pastor teaching a part of the day very 
profitably, and suitably to the present occasion ; the 
text of scripture was Ezra viii. 21. The rest of the 
time was spent in pouring out of prayers unto the 
Lord, with great fervency, mixed with abundance of 
2* 



J 8 new-england's memorial. 

tears : And the time being come that they must de- 
part, they were accompanied with the most of their 
brethren out of the city unto a town called Delfts 
Haven, where the ship lay ready to receive them, 
so they left that goodly and pleasant city, which had 
been their resting place above eleven years ; but they 
knew that they were pilgrims and strangers here be- 
low, and looked not much on these things, but lifted 
up their eyes to heaven, their dearest country, where 
God hath prepared for them a city, Heb. xi, 16. and 
therein quieted their spirits. 

When they came to the place, they found the ship 
and all things ready ; and such of their friends as could 
not come with them, followed after them, and sundry 
came from Amsterdam to see them shipped, & to take 
their leave of them. One night was spent with little 
sleep with the most, but with friendly entertainment, 
and Christian discourse, and other real expressions of 
Christian love. The next day the wind being fair 
they went on board, and their friends with them, 
where truly doleful was the sight of that sad and 
mournful parting, to hear what sighs and sobs, and 
prayers did sound amongst them ; what tears did gush 
from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each oth- 
ers heart, that sundry of the Dutch strangers, that 
stood on the Key as spectators, could not refrain from 
tears : Yet comfortable and sweet it was, to see such 
lively and true expressions of dear and unfeigned love. 
But the tide (which stays for no man) calling them a- 
way, that were thus loth to depart, their reverend pas- 
tor falling down on his knees, and they all with him, 
with watery cheeks commended them with most fer- 
vent prayers unto the Lord and his blessing ; and then 
with mutual embraces, and many tears, they took 
their leave one of another, which proved to be the 
last leave to many of them. Thus hoisting sail with 
a prosperous gale of wind, they came in a short time 
to Southampton, where they found the bigger ship 
come from London, being ready with all the rest of 



new-enoland's memorial. 19 

their company, meeting each other with a joyful wel- 
come and mutual congratulation. This was about the 
second of July, 1620. 

At their parting, their pastor, Mr. John Robinson, 
wrote a letter to.the whole company, which 1 thought 
meet here to insert, being so fruitful in itself, and suit- 
able to their occasions. 

Loving Chris lian friends^ 

I do heartily, and in the Lord salute you, as being 
those with whom i am present in my best affections, 
and most earnest longing after you, though I be con- 
strained for a while to be bodily absent from you : I 
say constrained ; God knowing how willingly, and 
much rather than otherwise, 1 would have borne my 
part with you in this first brunt, were 1 not by strong 
necessity held back for the present. Make account 
of me in the mean time as a man divided in myself, 
with great pain, (and as natural bonds set aside) hav- 
ing my better part with you : And although 1 doubt 
not but in your godly wisdoms you both foresee and 
resolve upon that which conccrneth your present 
state and condition, both severally and jointly ; yet 
have 1 thought it but my duty to add some further 
spur of provocation unto them who run already, if not 
because you need it, yet because 1 owe it in love and 
duty. And first, as we are daily to renew our re- 
pentance with our God, especially for our sins known, 
and generally for our unknown trespasses; so doth the 
Lord call us in a singular manner, upon occasions of 
such difficulty and danger as lieth upon you, to both 
a narrow search and careful reformation of your ways 
in his sight, lest he calling to remembrance our sins 
forgotten by us, or unrepented of, (ake advantage a- 
gainst us, and in judgment leave us to be swallowed 
up in one danger or other : Whereas, on the contra- 
ry, sin being taken away by earnest repentance, and 
the pardon thereof from the Lord sealed up to a man's 
conscience by his spirit, great shall be his security 



20 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 

and peace in all dangers, sweet his comforts in all diS' 
tresses, with happy deliverance rrom all evil, whether 
in life or death. Now next after this heavenly peace 
with God and our own consciences, we are carefully to 
provide for peace with all men, what in us lieth, es- 
pecially with our associates; and for that watchful- 
ness must be had, that we neither at all in ourselves 
do give, no, nor easily take oifence being given by 
others. Wo be to the world for offences, for although 
it be necessary, considering the malice of Satan and 
man's corruption, that offences come, yet wo unto the 
man, or woman either, by whom the offence cometh, 
saith Christ, Math, xviii. 7. and if offences in the un- 
seasonable use of things, in themselves indifferent, be 
more to be feared than death itself, as the Apostle 
teacheth, 1 Cor. ix. 15, how much more in things sim- 
ply evil, in which neither the honour of God, nor love 
af man is thought worthy to be regarded ^ Neither 
yet is it sufficient that we keep ourselves by the grace 
of God from giving of offence, except withal we be 
armed against the taking of them when they are given 
by others : For how imperfect and lame is the work 
of grace in that person %ho wants charity to cover a 
multitude of offences? As the scripture speaks. Nei- 
ther are you to be exhorted to this grace, only upon 
the common grounds of Christianity, which are, that 
persons ready to take offence, either want charit}' to 
cover offences, or duly to weigh human frailties ; or 
lastly, are gross though close hypocrites, as Christ our 
Lord teacheth, Mat. vii. 1,2, 3, as indeed, in my own 
experience, (e,w or none have been found which soon- 
er give offence, than such as easily take it ; neither 
have they ever proved sound and profitable members 
in societies, who have nourished this touchy humour. 
But besides these, there are divers motives provoking 
you above others to great care and conscience this 
way 4 as first, there are many of you strangers as to 
the persons, so to the infirmities one of another, and 
so stand in need of more watchfulness in this way, lest 



21 

when such things fall out in men and women as you 
Expected not, you be inordinately affected with them, 
which doth require at your bands much wisdom and 
charity for the covering and preventing of incident 
offences that way. And lastly, your intended course 
of civil community will minister continual occasion of 
offence, and will be as fuel for that fire, except you 
diligently quench it with brotherly forbearance : And 
if taking offence causelessly or easily at men's doings, 
be so carefully to be avoided ; how much more heed 
is to be taken that we take not offence at God him- 
self? Which yet we certainly do, so oft as we do 
murmur at his providence in our crosses, or bear im- 
patiently such afflictions wherewith he is pleased to 
visit us. Store up therefore patience against the evil 
day ; without which, we take offence at the Lord him- 
self in his holy and just works. A fourth thing there 
is carefully to be provided for, viz. That with your 
common employments, you join common affections 
truly bent upon the general good, avoiding, as a dead- 
ly plague of your both common and special comforts, 
all retiredness of mind for proper advantage ; and all 
singularly affected every manner of way, let every 
man repress in himself, and the whole body in each 
person, as so many rebels against the common good, 
all private respects of men's selves, not sorting with 
the general convenience. And as men are careful 
not to have a new house shaken with any violence, be- 
fore it be well settled, and the parts firmly knit ; so 
be you, I beseech 3'ou brethren, much more careful 
that the house of God (which you are, and are to be) 
be not shaken with unnecessary novelties, or other 
oppositions at the first settling thereof. 

Lastly, Whereas you are to become a body politic, 
using amongst yourselves civil government, and are 
not furnished with special eminency above the rest, 
to be chosen by you into office of Government ; let 
your wisdom and godliness appear not only in choos- 
ing such persons as do entirely love, and will promote 



22 

the common good ; but also in yielding unto them all 
due honour and obedience in their lawful administra- 
tions, not beholding in them the ordinariness of their 
persons, but God's ordinance for your good ; not be- 
ing like the foolish multituJe, who more honour the 
■gay coat, tlian either the virtuous mind of the man, or 
the glorious ordinance of the Lord : But you know 
better things, and that the image of the Lord's ppwer 
and authority wliich the magistrate heareth is honor- 
able, in how mean persons soever ; and this duty you 
may the more willingly, and ought tlie moreconscion- 
ably to perform, because you are (at least for the pres- 
ent) to have them for your ordinary governors, which 
yourselves shall make choice of for that work. 

Sundry other things of importance J could put you 
in mind of, and of those before mentioned in more 
words ; but 1 will not so far wrong your godly minds, 
as to think you heedless of these things, there being 
also divers amongst you so well able both to admonish 
tliemselves and others of what concerneth them. 
These few things therefore, and the same in a few 
words, I do earnestly commend to your care and con- 
science, joining therein with my daily incessant pray- 
ers unto the Lord, that he who has made the heavens 
and' the earth and sea, and all rivers of waters, and 
whose providence is over all his works, especially 
over all his dear children for good, would so guide 
and guard you in your ways, as inwardly by his spirit, 
so outwardly by the hand of his power, as that both 
you, and we also for and with you may have after-mat- 
ter of praising his name all the days of your and our 
lives. Fare you well in him whom you trust, and in 
whom I rest. 

An unfeigned well wisher to your happy success in 
thishopefulvoyage. JOHiN ROBINSON. 

Upon the leceipt of this letter, the company were 
called together : And it was publicly read amongst 
them, which had good acceptance with all, and after- 
fruit with many. 



new-england's memorial. 2^ 

Of the troubles that hefel the first planters vpon the coast 
of England, and in their voyage in coming over into 
New-England, and their arrival at Cape Cod, alias 
Cape James* 

All things being got ready, and every business des- 
patched, they ordered and distributed their companj 
for either ship (as they conceived for the best) and 
chose a governor, and two or three assistants for each 
ship, to order the people by the way, and to see to the 
disposing of the provision, and such like affairs ; all 
"which was not only with the liking of the masters of 
the ships, but according to their desires ; which being 
done, they set sail from Southampton the fifth of Au- 
gust, 1620. But alas, the best enterprises meet often- 
times with many discouragements ; for they had not 
sailed far, before Mr. Reynolds, the master of the less- 
er ship, complained that he found his ship so leaky, 
he durst not put further to sea : On which they were 
forced to put in at Dartmouth, Mr. Jones the master 
of the biggest ship likewise putting in there with him, 
and the said lesser ship was searched, and mended, 
and judged sufficient for the voyage by the workmen 
that mended her : On which, both the said ships put 
to sea the second time, but they had not sailed above 
an hundred leagues, ere the said Reynolds again conn- 
plained of his ship being so leaky, as that he feared 
he should founder in the sea, if he held on ; and then 
both ships bore up again^ and went in at Plj^mouth : 
But being there searched again, no great matter ap- 
peared, but it was judged to be the general weakness 
of the ship. But the true reason of the retarding and 
delaying of matters was not as yet discerned : The 
one of them respecting the ship (as afterwards was 
found) was, that she was over-masted, which when 
she came to her trim, in that respect she did well ; 
and made divers profitable and successful voyages. 
But secondly, and more especially, by the deceit of 
the master and his company, who were hired to stay 



24 

a whole year in the country ; but now fancying dis- 
like, and fearing want of victuals, they plotted this 
stratagenn to free themselves, as afterwards was known, 
and by some of them confessed ; for they apprehended 
that the greater ship being of force, and in whom 
most provisions were bestowed, that she would retain 
enough for herself, whatsoever became of them and 
the passengers : But so strong was self love and de- 
ceit in this man, as he forgot all duty and former 
kindness, and dealt thus falsely with them. These 
things thus falling out, it was resolved by the whole 
company to dismiss the lesser ship, and pnrt of the 
company with her, and that the other part of the 
company should proceed in the bigger ship ; which 
when they had ordered matters thereunto, the}' made 
another sad parting, the one ship, viz. the lessesr go- 
ing back for London, and the other, viz. the May- 
Flower, Mr. Jones being master proceeding on the in- 
tended voyage. 

These troubles being blown over, and now all being 
compact together in one ship, they put to sea again 
with a prosperous wind ; but after they had enjoyed 
fair winds for a season, they met with many contrary 
■winds and fierce storms, with which their ship was 
shrewdly shaken and her upper works made very 
leaky, and one of the main beams of the mid-ships was 
bowed and cracked, which put them to some fear that 
she would not be able to perform the voyage ; on 
which the principal of the seamen and passengers had 
serious consultation what to do, whether to return or 
hold on : But the ship proving strong under water, 
by a screw, the said beam was brought into his place 
again ; which being done, and well secured by the 
carpenter, they resolved to hold on their voyage, and 
so after many boisterous storms in which they could 
bear no sail, but were forced to lie at hull many days 
together ; after long beating at sea, they fell in with 
the land called Cape Cod. Cape Cod, so called at 
fir&t by Captain Gosnold and his company, Anno. 



!iE^^— ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL. 25 

1602, because they took much of that fish there ; and 
afterward called Cape James by Capt. Smith. The 
point of the Cape is called Point Care, and Pucker's 
Terror ; and by /the French and Dutch, Mallacar, by 
reason of the perilous shoals. Which being made and 
certainly known to be it, they were not a little joyful. 
After some little deliberation had amongst themselves 
with the master of the ship, they tacked about to 
stand to the southward, to find some place about Hud- 
son's river, (according to their first intentions) for their 
habitations : But they had not sailed that course 
above half a day, before they fell amongst perilous 
shoals and breakers, and they were so far entangled 
therewith, as they conceived themselves in great dan- 
ger ; and the wind shrinking upon them withal, they 
resolved to bear up again for the Cape aforesaid ; the 
next day, by God's providence, they got into the Cape 
harbour. Thus they arrived at Cape Cod, alias Cape 
James, in November, 1620, and being brought safe to 
land, they fell upon their knees, and blessed the God 
of heaven, who had brought them over the vast and 
furious ocean, and delivered them from many perils 
and miseries. 

Nevertheless, it is to be observed, that their putting 
into this place was partly by reason of a storm by 
which they were forced in, but more especially by 
the fraudulency and contrivance of the aforesaid Mr. 
Jones, the master of the ship ; for their intention, as 
before noted, and his engagement, was to Hudson's 
river; but some of the Dutch having notice of their 
intentions, and having thoughts about the same time 
of erecting a plantation there likewise, they fraudu- 
lently hired the said Jones, by delays, while they 
were in England, and now under pretence of the 
shoals, &c. to disappoint them in their going thither: 
Of this plot betwixt the Dutch and Mr. Jones, 1 have 
had late and certain intelligence. But God out-shoots 
Satan oftentimes in his own bow ; for had they gone to 
Hudson's river, as before expressed, it had oroved 
3 



-o NEW-ENGLAND S MfiMORfAt^ 

very dangerous to them ; for although it is a place far 
more commodious, and the soil more fertile, yet then 
abounding with a multitude of pernicious savages, 
whereby they would have been in great peril of their 
lives, and so the work of transplanting the gospel into 
these parts much endangered to have been hindered 
and retarded ; but God so disposed, that the place 
where they afterv/ards settled was much depopulated 
by a great mortality amongst the natives, which fell 
out about two years before their arrival, whereby he 
made way for the carrying on of his good purpose in 
promul|iating of his gospel as aforesaid. 

But before we pass on, let the reader, with me, 
make a pause, and seriously consider this poor peo- 
ple's present condition, the more to be raised up to 
admiration of God's goodness towards them in their 
preservation: For being now passed the vast ocean, 
and a sea of troubles before in their preparation, 
they had now no friends to welcome them, no inns 
to entertain or refresh them,^ no houses, much less 
towns, to repair unto to seek for succour: The barba- 
rians that Paul the apostle fell amongst in his ship- 
wreck, at the isle of Melita, shewed him no small kind- 
fiess^ Acts, xxviii. but these savage barbarians, when 
they met with them (as after will appear) were readi- 
er to fill their sides full of arrows, than otherwise ; 
and, lor the season it was winter, and they that know 
the winters of the countr}^, know them to be sharp 
and violent, subject to cruel and fierce storms, dan- 
gerous to travel to known places, much more to 
search unknown coasts. Besides, what could they 
see but a hideous and desolate wilderness,, full of wild 
beasts and wild men? And what multitudes of them 
there were, they then knew not ; neither could they, 
as it were, go up to the top of Pisgah, to view from 
this wilderness a more goodly countrj^ to feed their 
hopes ; for which way soever they turned their eyes 
(save upward to heaven) they could have little solace 
©r content in respect of any outward object, for sum- 



27 

mer being ended, all things stand in appearance with 
a weather-beaten face, and the whole country iuil of 
woods and thickets, represented a wild and savage 
hue; if they looked behind thenfi, there was the 
mighty ocean w))ich they had passed, and was m w 
as a main bar and gulf to separate them from all tie 
civil parts of the world. The master of the ship and 
his company pressing with speed to look out for a 
settlement at some near distance, for the season v^as 
such that he would not stir from thence until a safe 
harbour was discovered by them with their boat ;yea, 
it was sometimes threatened, that if they would not 
get a place in time, that they and their goods should 
be turned on shore, and that the ship would leave 
them ; the master expressing himself, that provisioni 
spent apace, and that he would keep sufficient for 
himself and his company for their return. It is true 
indeed, that the love and affections of their brethren 
they left behind them in Holland were cordial and 
entire towards them, but they had little power to 
help them, or themselves; wliat could now sustain 
them but the spirit of God and his grace ? Ought not, 
and may not the children of these fathers rightly say, 
our fathers were Englishmen, which came over this 
great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilder- 
ness; but they cried unto the Lord, and he heard 
their voice, and looked on their adversity : Let them 
therefore praise the Lord, because he is good, and 
his mercy endureth forever; yea, let them who have 
been the redeemed of the Lord, shew how he hath 
delivered them from the hand of the oppressor, when 
they wandered in the desert wilderness out of the 
way, and found no city to dwell in ; both hungry 
and thirsty, their soul was overwhelmed in them : 
Let them therefore confess before the Lord his lov- 
ing kindness, and his wonderful works before the 
/:hildren of men. Psal. cvii. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8. 



28 



Of the first planters^ their combination, by entering into 
a body politic together ; with their proceedings in dis- 
covery of a place for their settlement and habitation* 

Being thus fraudulently dealt with (as you have 
heard) and brought so far to the northward, the sea- 
son being sharp, and no hopes of their obtaining their 
intended port ; and thereby their patent being made 
void and useless, as to another place : Being at Cape 
Cod upon the eleventh day of November, 1620, it 
was thought meet for their more orderly carrying on 
of their affairs, and accordingly by tnutual consent 
thej entered into a solemn combination, as a body 
politic, to submit to such government and governors, 
laws and ordinances, as should by a general consent, 
from time to time, be made choice of, and assented 
unto. The contents whereof followeth. [This was 
the first foundation of the government of Mew Plymouth,^ 

In the name of God, amen. We whose names are 
under written, the loyal subjects of our dread sove- 
reign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great 
Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the 
faith, &c. Having undertaken for the glory of God, 
and advancement of the Christian faith, and the hon- 
our of our King and country, a voyage to plant the 
first colony in tiie northern parts of Virginia; do by 
these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence 
of God and one another, covenant and combine our- 
selves together into a civil body politic, for our bet- 
tor ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the 
ends aforesaid : And by virtue hereof, to enact, con- 
stitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, 
acts, constitutions and officers, from time to time, as 
shall be thought most meet and convenient for the 
general good of the colony; unto which we promise 
all due submission and obedience. In witness where- 
of, we have hereunto subscribed our names, at Cape 



Cod, the eleventh of November, in the reign of our 
sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and 
Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty 
fourth, Anno Dom. 1620. 

John Carver, Samuel Fuller, Edzvard Tilly, 

William Bradford, Christopher Martin John Tilly, 

Edward Winslow, William Mullins, Francis Cook, 

WilUam Brewster, William White, Thomas Rogers, 

Isaac AUerton, Richard Warren, Thomas Tinker, 

Miles Standish, John Rowland, John Ridgdalc, 

John Alden, Stephen Hopkins, Edward Fuller, 

John Turner, T^igery Priest, Richard Clark, 

Francis Eator^ Thomas Williams, Rich, Gardiner, 

James Chi Iff m, Gilbert Wlnslozv, John AUerton, 

JohnCraxton, Edmund Morgeson, Thomas English, 

John Billington, Peter Brown, Edward Doten, 

Joses Fletcher, Richard Biiteridge, Edzvard Liester, 

John Goodman, George Soule, 

After this they chose Mr. John Carver, a man godly 
and well approved amongst them, to be tiieir gover- 
nour for that year. 

Necessity now calling them to look out a place for 
habitation, as well as the master and mariners impor- 
tunity urging them thereunto ; while their carpenter 
was trimming up of their boat, sixteen of their men 
tendered themselves to go by land and discover those 
nearest places, which was accepted ; and they being 
well armed, were sent forth on the sixteenth of No- 
vember, 1620, and having marched about a mile by 
the sea side, they espied five Indians, who ran away 
fi-om them, and they followed them all that day sun- 
dry miles, but could not come to speak with them ; so 
night coming on, they betook themselves to their 
rendezvous, and set out their sentinels, and rested in 
quiet that night; and the next morning they followed 
the Indian tracks, but could not find them nor their 
d^vellings, but at length lighted on a good quantity of 
€ilea.r ground near to a pond of fresh water, where 
3* 



so new-england's memorial. 

formedy the Indians bad planted Indian corn, at 
which place they saw sundry of their graves; and 
proceeding further they found new stubble, where 
Indian corn had been planted the sanne year ; also 
they found where lately an house had been, where 
some planks and a little kettle were remaining, and 
heaps of sand newly paddled with their hands, which 
they digged up, and ibund in them divers fair Indian 
baskets Blled with corn, some whereof was in ears, 
fair and good, of divers colours, which seemed to them 
a very goodly sight, having seen none before. Of 
which rarities they took some to carry to their friends 
on shipboard, like as the Israelites' spies brought from 
Eshcol some of the good fruits of the land; but find- 
ing little that might make for their encouragement 
as to situation, they returned, being gladly received 
by the rest of their company. 

After this, their shallop being ready, they set out 
the second time for a more full discovery of this 
place, especially a place that seemed to be an open- 
ing as they went into the said harbour some two or 
tiiree leagues off, which the master judged to be a riv- 
er ; about thirty of them went out on this second dis- 
covery, the master of the ship going with them; but 
upon the more exact discovery thereof, they found it 
to be no harbour for ships, but only for boats. There 
they also found two of their houses covered with 
mats, and sundry other implements in them ; but the 
people ran away, and could not be seen. Also there 
they found more of their corn and beans of various 
colours ; the corn and beans they brought away, pur- 
posing to give them full satisfaction when they should 
meet with any of them. \_About six months afler^ they 
^ave them full satisfaction to their content,"] And here 
is to be noted, a special and a great mercy to this peo- 
ple, that here they got them seed to plant them corn 
the next year, or otherwise they might have starved, 
for they had none, nor any likelihood to get any, un- 
til the season had been past, (as the sequel did mani- 



NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 31 

fest) neither is it likely that they had had this, if the 
first discovery had not been made, for the ground was 
all covered with snow, and hard frozen; but the Lord 
is never wanting unto those that are his in their 
greatest need. Let his holy name have all the praise. 

Having thus discovered this place, it was contro- 
verted amongst them what to do, touching their abode 
and settling there. Some thought it best for many 
reasons to abide there. 

1st. Because of the convenience of the harbour for 
boats, though not for ships. 

^d. There was good corn ground ready to their 
hands, as was seen by experience in the goodly corn 
it yielded, which again would agree with the ground, 
and be natural seed for the same. / 

3d. Cape Cod was likely to be a place for good 
iishing, for they daily saw great whales of the best 
kind for oil. 

4th. The place was likely to be healthful, secure 
and defensible. 

5th, and lastly. The especial reason was, that now 
the heart of the winter and unseasonable weather was 
come upon them, so as they could not go upon coast- 
ing and discovery, without danger of losing both men 
and boat, upon which would follow the overthrow of 
all, especially considering what variable winds and 
sudden storms do there arise ; also cold and wet lodg- 
ing had so tainted their people, as scarce any of them 
were free from vehement coughs, as if they should 
continue long, it would endanger the lives of many, 
and breed diseases and infection amongst them. A- 
gain, that as yet they had some provisions, but they 
would quickly be spent, and then they should have 
nothing to comfort them in their labour and toil that 
they were like to undergo. At the first it was also 
conceived, whilst they had competent victuals, that 
the ship w^ould stay, but when that grew low, they 
would be gone, and let them shift for themselves. 



32 

Others again urged to go to Agimam^ alias Angawanh) 
a place about twenty leagues off to the northward, 
which they had heard to be an excellent harbour for 
ships, belter ground and better fishing. 

Secondly, for any thing they knew there 
might be hard by us, a better seat, and it would be a 
great hindrance to seat where they should remove 
again. 

But to omit many reasons and replies concerning 
this matter, it was in the end concluded to make some 
discovery within the bay, but in no case so far as An- 
gawam. Besides, Robert Coppin, their pilot, made 
relation of a great navigable river and good harbour 
in the other headland of the bay, almost right over 
against Cape Cod, being in a right line not much a- 
bove eighteen leagues distant, in which he had once 
been, and bej^ond that place they that were to go on 
discovery, were enjoined not to go. About this time 
Mrs. Susan White was delivered of a son, who was 
named Peregrine^, he was the first of the English that 
was born in New-England, and still surviveth, and is 
the Lieutenant of the military company of Marshfield. 

The month of November being spent on these af- 
fairs, and having much foul weather, on the 6lh of 
December they concluded to send out their shallop 
again on a third discovery. The names of those that 
went on this discovery, were Mr. John Carver, Mr. 
"William Bradford, Mr. Edward W^inslow, Captain 
Miles Standish, Mr. John Howland, Mr. Richard 
Warren, Mr. Stephen Hopkins, Mr. Edward Tilly, 
Mr. John Tilly, Mr. Clark, Mr. Coppin, John Aller- 
ton, Thomas English, Edward Doten, with the master 
gunner of the ship, and three of the common seamen ; 
these set sail on Wednesday, the sixth of December, 
1620, intending to circulate the deep bay of Cape 
Cod, the weather being very cold, so as the spray of 
the sea lighting on (heir coats, they were as if they 
bad been glazed, notwithstanding, that night they got 
down into the bottom of the bay, and as they drew 



new-england's memorial. 33 

near the shore they saw some ten or twelve Indians, 
and landed about a league off them, (but with some 
difficulty, by reason of the shoals in that place) where 
they tarried that night. 

In the morning they divided their company to coast 
along, some on shore and some in the boat, where 
they saw the Indians had been the da}" before cutting 
up a fish like a grampus ; and so they ranged up and 
down all that day, but found no people, nor any place 
they liked, as fit for their settlement ; and that night, 
they on shore met with their boat at a certain creek, 
where they made them a barricado of boughs and 
logs, for their lodging that night, and being weary 
betook themselves to rest. This is thought to be a 
place called Namskeket. The next morning, about 
five o'clock, seeking guidance and protection from 
God by prayer, and refreshing themselves, in way of 
preparation, to persist on their intended expedition, 
some of them carried their arms down to the boat, 
having laid them up in their coats from the moisture 
of the weather; but others said they would not carry 
theirs until they went themselves : But presently all 
on a sudden, about the dawning of the day, they heard 
a great and strange cry, and one of their company 
being on board, came hastily in, and cried, Indians! 
Indians ! and, withal, their arrows came flying a- 
mongst them ; on which all their men ran with speed 
to recover their arms ; as by God's good providence 
they did. In the mean time some of those that were 
ready discharged two muskets at them, and two more 
stood ready at the entrance of their rendezvous, but 
were commanded not to shoot until they could take 
full aim at them ; and the other two charged again 
with all speed, for there were only four that had arms 
there, and defended the barricado which was first as- 
saulted. The cry of the Indians was dreadful,especial- 
ly when they saw their men run out of their rendez- 
vous towards the shallop to recover their arms; the In- 
dians wheeling upon them; but some running out with 



34 NEW-ENGLA?fD's MEMORIAL. 

coats of mail, and cuttle axes in their bands, they soon 
recovered their arms, and discharged amongst them, 
and soon stayed their violence. Notwithstanding, 
there was a lusty man, and no less valiant, stood be- 
hind a tree within half a musket shot, and let his ar- 
rows fly amongst them ; he was seen to shoot three 
arrows, which were all avoided, and stood three shot 
of musket, until one taking full aim at him, made 
the bark or splinters of the tree fly about his ears; 
after which he gave an extraordinary shriek, and a- 
way they went all of them ; and so leaving some to 
keep the shallop, they followed them about a quarter 
ofa mile, that they might conceive that they were 
not afraid of them, or any way discouraged. This 
place, on this occasion, was called the first encounter. 

Thus it pleased God to vanquish their enemies, and 
"to give them deliverance, and by his special provi- 
dence so to dispose, that not any one of them was ei- 
ther hurt or hit, though their arrows came close by 
them; and sundry of their coats, which hung up in 
the barricado, were shot through and through : For 
which salvation and deliverance they rendered solemn 
thanksgiving unto the Lord. 

From hence they departed, and coasted all along, 
but discerned no place likely for harbour, and there- 
fore hasted to the place the pilot (as aforesaid) told 
them of, who assured them that there was a good har- 
bour, and they might fetch it before night ; of which 
they were glad, for it began to be foul weather. 

After some hours sailing, it began to snow and rain, 
and about the middle of the afternoon the wind in- 
creased, and the sea became very rough, and they 
broke their rudder, and it was as much as two men 
could do to steer the boat with a couple of oars ; but 
the pilot bid them be of good cheer, for he saw the 
harbour ; but the storm increasing and night drawing 
on, they bore what sail they could to get in while 
they could see ; but herewith they brake their mast 
itJ three pieces, and their sail fell overboard in a very 



MEMORIAL. • 35 

grown sea, so as they had like to have been cast 
away ; yet by God's mercy they recovered them- 
selves, and having the flood with them, struck into 
the harbour. But v^hen it came to, the pilot was de- 
ceived, and said, Lord he merciful to us^ my eyes never 
saw this place before: And he and the master's mate 
would have run the boat ashore in a cove full of break- 
ers before the wind, but a lusty seaman, who steered, 
bid them that rowed, if they were men^ about with her, 
else they were all cast azvay^ the which they did wiih all 
speed ; so he bid them be of good cheer, and row 
hard, for there was a fair sound before them, and he 
doubted not but they should find one place or other 
they might ride in safety. And although it was very- 
dark, and rained sore, yet in the end they got under 
the lee of a small island, and remained there all night 
in safety. But they knew not this to be an island 
until the next morning, but were much divided in 
their minds, some would keep the boat, doubting they 
might be amongst the Indians, others were so wet 
and cold that they could not endure, but got on shore 
and with much difficulty got fire, and so the whole 
were refreshed, and rested in safetj^ that night. The 
next day rendering thanks to God for his great deliv- 
erance of them, and his continued merciful good prov- 
idence towards them; and finding this to be an island, 
it being the last day of the week, they resolved to 
keep the sabbath. This was between the place call- 
ed the GurneCs Nose^ and Sagaquaby by the mouth of 
Plymouth harbour. This was afterwards called 
Clark's island, because Mr, Clark, the master's mate^ 
first stepped ashore thereon. 

On the second day of the week following they 
sounded the harbour, and found it fit for shipping, 
and marched into the land, and found divers corn 
fields, and little running brooks, a place (as they sup- 
posed) fit for situation, at least it was the best that 
they could find, and the season and their present ne- 
cessity made them glad to accept of it. So they re- 



36 new-ekgland's memorial. 

turned to their ship with this news to the rest of their 
people, which did much comfort their hearts. 

On the fifteenth of December they weighed anchor 
to go to the place thej'^ had discovered, and arrived 
the sixteenth day in the harbour they had formerly 
discovered, and afterwards took better view of the 
place, and resolved where to pitch their dwellings ; 
and on the five and twentieth day of December began 
to erect the first house for common use, to receive 
them and their goods : And after they had provided 
a place for their goods and common store (which was 
long in unlading for want of boats, and by reason of 
foulness of the winter weather, and sickness of di- 
vers) they began to build some small cottages for hab- 
itation, as time would admit ; and also consulted of 
laws and orders both for their civil and military gov- 
ernment, as the necessity of their present condition 
did require. But that which was sad and lamentable, 
in two or three months' time half of their company 
died, especially in January and February, being the 
depth of winter, wanting houses and other comforts, 
being infected with the scurvy and other diseases, 
which this long voyage & their incommodate condition 
had brought upon them, so as there died, sometimes 
two, sometimes three, on a day, in the aforesaid time, 
that of one hundred and odd persons, scarce fifty re- 
mained. Amongst others in the time forenamed, died, 
Mr. William Mullins, a man pious and well deserving, 
endowed also with a considerable outward estate; and 
had it been the will of God that he had survived^ 
might have proved an useful instrument in his place, 
with several others who deceased in this great and 
common affliction, whom 1 might take notice of to 
the like efiect. Of those that did survive in this time 
of distress and calamity that was upon them, there 
was sometimes but six or seven sound persons, who 
(to their great commendation be it spoken) spared no 
pains night nor day to be helpful to the rest, not 
shunning to do very mean services to help the weak 



and impotent. In which sickness the seamen shared 
also deeply, and many died, to about the one half of 
them bpfore they went away. Thus being but (e\v, 
and very weak, this was an opportunity for the sav- 
ages to have made a prey of them, who were wont to 
be most cruel and treaclierous people in all these 
parts, even like lions ; but to them they were as 
lambs, God striking a dread in their hearts so that 
they received no harm from them. The Lord also 
so disposed, as aforesaid, much to waste them by a 
great mortality, together with which were their own 
civil dissensions, and bloody wars, so as the twentieth 
person was scarce left alive when these people arrived, 
there remaining sad spectacles of that mortality in 
the place where they seated, by many bones and 
sculls of the dead lying above ground; whereby it 
appeared that the living were not able to burj^ them. 
Some of the ancient Indians, that are surviving at the 
writing hereof, do affirm, that about some tvvo or three 
years before the first English arrived here, they saw 
a blazing star, or comet, which was a fore-runner of 
this sad mortality, for soon after it came upon them 
in extremity. Thus God made way for his people, 
by removing the heathen, and planting them in the 
land ; yet we hope in mercy to some of the posterity 
of these blind savages, by being a means, at least step- 
ping-stones, for others to come and preach the gospel 
among them ; of which afterwards in its proper place. 
This seemelh to be the same star that was seen about 
that time in Europe. But to return. 

The Indians, after their arrival, would show them- 
selves afar off, but when they endeavoured to come 
near them they would run away. But about the six- 
teenth of March, 1621, a certain Indian called Samoset, 
came boldly among them, and spoke to them in brok- 
en English, which they could well understand ; at 
which they marvelled; but at length they understood 
that he belonged to the Eastern parts of the country, 
and had acquaintance with sundry of the English fish- 
4 



38 NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL* 

ermen, and could name sundry of them, from whom 
he learned his language. He became very profitable 
to them, in acquainting them with many things con- 
cerning the state of the country in the eastern parts, 
as also of the people here ; of their names, number 
and strength, of their situation and distance from this 
place, and who was chief amongst them. He told 
them also of another Indian called Squanio, alias Tis- 
quanfam, one of this place, who had been in England, 
and could speak better English than himself: And af- 
ter courteous entertainment of him, he was dismissed : 
Afterwards he came again with some other natives, 
and told them of the coming of the great Sachem, 
named Massasoiet^ who (about four or five days after) 
came with the chief of his friends and other attend- 
ants, with the aforesaid Sqiianto, with whom (after 
friendly entertainment and some gifts given him) they 
made a league of peace with him, which continued 
with him and his successors to the time of the writ- 
ing hereof. The terms and conditions of the said 
league is as followeth : 

I. That neither he, nor any of his, should injure 
or do hurt to any of their people. 

II. That if any of his did any hurt to any of thei rs, 
he should send the offender that they might punish 
him. 

HI. That if any thing were taken away from any 
of theirs, he should cause it to be restored ; and they 
should do the like to his. 

IV. That if any did unjustly war against him, 
they would aid him ; and if any did war against them, 
he should aid them. 

V. That he should send to his neighbour confede- 
rates to inform them of this, that they might not 
■wrong them, but might be likewise comprised in these 
conditions of peace. 

VI. That when his men came to them upon any 
occasion, they should leave their arms (which were 
then bows and arrows) behind them. 



i*EW-EN6LAND's MEMORIAL. 39 

VIL Lastly. That so doing, their sovereign Lord 
king James would esteem him as his friend and ally 

All which he liked well, and withal at the same 
time acknowledged himself content to become the 
subject of our sovereign Lord the King aforesaid, his 
heirs and successors ; and gave unto them all the 
lands adjacent, to them and their heirs forever. 

After these things he returned to his place called 
Sowams, about forty miles distant from Plymouth, 
but Sqnanto continued with them, and was their in- 
terpreter, and proved a special instrument sent of 
God for their good, beyond expectation ; he directed 
them in planting their corn, where to take their fish, 
and to procure their commodities ; and also was their 
pilot to bring them to unknown places for their prof- 
it, and never left them until his death. He was a 
native of this place where Plymouth is, and scarce 
any left besides himself. He was carried away (with 
divers others) by one named Hunt, a master of a 
ship, who thought to sell them for slaves in Spain, but 
he got away for England, and was entertained by a 
merchant in London, and employed to Newfoundland 
and other parts , and at last brought hither into these 
parts by one Dermer, a gentleman employed by Sir 
Ferdinando Gorges and others, for discovery, and oth- 
er designs in these parts ; of whom I shall say some- 
thing, because it is mentioned in a book set forth 
Anno, 1622, by the president and council for New- 
England, That he made the peace between the sava- 
ges of those parts and the English, of which this plan- 
tation (as it is intimated) had the benefit : And what 
a peace it was may appear by what befel him and his 
men. 

This Mr. Dermer was here the same year that these 
people came, as appears by a relation written by him, 
bearing date June 30th, anno 1620, and they arrived 
in the country in the month of November following, 
so that there was but four months difference. In 
which relation to his honoured friend, he hath these 



40 new-england's memorial. 

passages of this very place where New-Plymouth is ; 
I will first begin (saith he) with that place from 
whence Squanto, or Tisquantam was taken away, 
which in Capt. Smith's map is called * Plymouth, arid 
1 would that Plymouth had the like commodities. I 
would that the first plantation might here be seated, 
if there come to the number of fifty persons, or up- 
wards ; otherwise at Charlton, because there the sav- 
ages are less to be feared. The Pocanakets, which 
live to the west of Plymouth, bear an inveterate ma- 
lignity to the English, and are of more strength than 
all the savages from thence to Panobskut : Their de- 
sire of revenge was occasioned by an Enj^lishman, who 
having many of them on board, made greater slaugh- 
ter of them with their murderers and small shot, when 
(as they say) they oflfered no injury on their parts. 
Whether they were English or no, it may be doubted ; 
yet they believe they were, for the French have bo 
possessed them : For which cause Squanto cannot 
deny but they would have killed me when I was at 
JNamassaket, had he not entreated hard for me. The 
soil of the borders of this great bay may be compared 
to most of the plantations which I have seen in Vir- 
ginia. The land is of divers sorts ; for Patukset is 
an heavy but strong soil, Nauset and Satuket are for 
the most part a blackish and deep mould, much like 
that where groweth the best tobacco in Virginia. In 
the bottom of the bay is great store of cod, bass or 
mullet, &c. And above all, he commends Pacanna- 
ket for the richest soil, and much open ground, likely 
and fit for English grain. Massachusetts is about nine 
leagues from Plymouth, and situate in the midst : 
Between both is many islands and peninsulas, very 
fertile for the most part. With sundry such relations, 

* This name of Plymouth was so called not only for the rea- 
son here named, but also because Plymouth in 0. E. was the 
last town they left in tlieir native country ; and for that they 
received many kindnesses from some Christians there. 



NEW-ENGtAND's MEMORIAL. 4! 

which I forbear to transcribe, being now better known 
than they were to him. 

This gentleman was taken prisoner by the Indians 
at IVJannamoset, (a place not far trom Plymouth, now 
well known) he gave them what he demanded for his 
liberty ; but when they had got what they desired, 
they kept him still, and endeavoured to kill some of 
his men, but he was freed by seizing on some of them^^ 
and kept them bound till they gave him a canoe load 
of corn : Of which see Purch. lib. 9, fol. 1 778. But 
this was anno, 1619. 

After the writing of the former relation, he came 
to the isle Capewak, * which lieth south from this 
place in the way to Virginia, and the aforesaid Squan- 
to with him ; where he going on shore amongst the 
Indians to trade, as he used to do, was assaulted and 
betrayed by them, and all his men slain, but one that 
kept the boat ; but himself got on board very sore 
wounded, and they had cut off his head upon the cud- 
dy of the boat, had not his man rescued him with a 
sword, and so they got him away, and made shift to 
get into Virginia, where he died, whether of his 
wounds, or the diseases of the country, or both, is un- 
certain. By all which it may appear how far this 
people were from peace, and with what danger this 
plantation was begun, save as the powerful hand of 
the Lord did protect them. 

These things were partly the reasons why the Ind- 
ians kept aloof, as aforesaid, and that it was so long 
ere they could come to speak with any of them : A- 
nother reason (as afterwards themselves made known) 
was, how that about three years before these first 
planters arrived, a certain French ship was cast away 
at Cape Cod, but the men got on shore, and saved 
their lives, a?id much of their victuals and other 
goods ; but afterwards the Indians heard of it, and 
gathered together from these parts, and never left 

"* Now called Martha's Vineyard. 
4* 



42 new-England's memorial. 

watching and dogging Ihem, until they got advantage, 
and killed them all but three or four, which they 
kept and sent fion» one Sachem to another to make 
sport with, and used them worse than slaves ; and 
tfiey conceived this ship was now come to revenge 
it. Two of the said French so used were redeemed 
by the aforesaid Mr. Dermer, the other died amongst 
the Indians ; and as the Indians have reported, one of 
them lived amongst them until he was able to dis- 
course with them, and told them, That Cod was an- 
gry with them for their wickedness, and would de- 
stroy them, and give their country to another people, 
that should not live like beasts as they did, but should 
be clothed, &c. But they derided him and said, 
That they were so many that God could not kill 
them. His answer w^as. That though they were nev- 
er so many, God had many ways to destro}^ them, that 
they knew^ not. (A memorable passage of God's pun- 
ishing of the heathen for their notorious blasphemy, 
and other sins.) Shortly after his death came the 
plague, a disease they never heard of before, and 
mightily swept away, and left them as dung upon the 
eartli (as you have heard.) Not long after came the 
English to New Plymouth, and then several of the 
Indians began to mind the Frenchman's words, think- 
ing him to be more than an ordinary man. And as 
the first part of his speech had proved true, they be- 
gan to be apprehensive of the latter, viz. the loss of 
their country. This relation the first planters at 
Plymouth, after they came to be acquainted with 
them, several of them, heard from divers of their an- 
cient anfl gravest Indians, and have often seen the 
place where the French were surprised and taken ; 
which place beareth the name of Frenchman's Point 
with many to this day. This relation, for the verity 
thereof, being also very observable, was thought meet 
to be here inserted : And let me add a word hereun- 
to : (Several instances of the mortality of the Indians 
occasionally taken notice of.) That it is xery ob- 



new-England's memorial. 43 

servable likewise, that God hath very evidently made 
way for the English, by sweeping away the natives 
by some great mortalities; as first, by tlie plague here 
in Plymouth jurisdiction , secondly, by Vne small pox 
in the jurisdiction ofihe iViassachusetts, a very con- 
siderable people a little before the English came into 
the country ; as also at Connectit ut, very full of Ind- 
ians a little before ihe i^nalish went into those parts; 
and then the Pequots by the sword of the English (as 
will appear in its place) and the country now posfsess- 
ed by the English, 1 might also mention several pla- 
ces in the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, peopled with 
considerable cojnpanies of proper able men, since the 
first planters thereof came over, even in our sight, 
before they were in a capacity to improve any of 
their land, that have by the same hand of providence 
been cut otf, and so their land even cleared for them, 
and now so replenished with their posterity, that pla- 
ces are too strait for tliem. By little and little (saith 
God of old to his people) will 1 drive them out from 
before thee, till thou be increased, and inherit the 
land, Exod. xxiii. 28, 29, 30. 

But before 1 pass on let the reader take notice of a 
very remarkable particular, which was made known 
to the planters at Plymouth, some short space after 
their arrival, that the Indians, before they came to the 
English to make friendship with them, they got all 
the powaws in the country, who, for three days to- 
gether, in a horrid and devlish manner did curse and 
execrate them with their conjurations; which assem- 
bly and service they held in a dark and dismal swamp. 
Behold how Satdn laboured to hinder the gospel from 
coming into New-England. But to return. 

Tlie spring being now come, it pleased God that the 
mortality which had taken away so many of the first 
planters at Plymouth, ceased and the sick and lame 
recovered apace, which was as it were a new life put 
into them ; they having borne this affliction with much 
patience, being upheld hy the i^ord. And thus we 
are come unto the twenty-fifth of March, 1621. 



44 kew-england's memorial. 

1621. 

This year several of the Indian Sachenns (besides 
Massasoiet, before named) came unto the government 
oi New Plymouth, and acknowledged themselves to 
be loyal subjects of our sovereign Lord King James, 
and subscribed unto a writing to that purpose with 
their own hands ; the tenor of which said writing 
followeth, vvith their names annexed thereunto. It 
being conceived, by some that are judicious, that it 
may be of use in succeeding times, I thought meet 
here to insert it. 

September 13, Anno Dom, 1621, 

Know all men by these presents, That we, whose 
names are under written, do acknowledge ourselves 
to be the loyal subjects of King James, King of Great 
Britain, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. 
In Witness whereof, and as a testimonial of tlie same, 
we have subscribed our names or marks, as followeth : 
Ohqunmehud, Natlawahunt^ Qvadaquma^ 
Cawnacnme, Caunbaiant^ Huttamoiden^ 

Ohbalinnua^ Chilckatabak, Apannow. 



J>tow followeth several passages of the providence of God 
to^ and the further progress of. the first planters at 
Plymouth^ appertaining to the year 1621. 

They now began to hasten the ship away, which 
tarried so long by reason of the necessity and danger 
that lay on them, because so many died both of them- 
selves and the siiip's company likewise; by which 
they became so few, as the master durst not put out 
to sea until those that lived recovered of their sick- 
ness, and winter over, 

( The spring of this year they planted their first 
corn in New England, being instructed in the manner 



NEW-ENGf land's MEMORIAL. 45 

thereof by the forenamed Squanto ; they likewise 
sowed some English grain witii little success, by 
reason partly of the badness ot the seed, and lateness 
of the season, or some other defect not then discern- 



edw 
-in 



the month of April, in this year, their governor, 
Mr. John Carver, (eil sick, and within a few days af- 
ter died, whose deatli was much lamented, and caused 
great heaviness amongst them, and there was indeed 
great cause. He was buried in the best maisner they 
could, with as much solemnity as they were in a ca- 
pacity to perform, with a discharge of some volleys 
of shot of all that bear arms. This worthy gentle- 
man was one of singular piet}^ and rare for humility, 
as appeared b3' his great condescendency, when as 
this poor people were in great sickness and vyeakness, 
he shunned not to do very mean services for them: 
He bare a share likewise of their labour in his own 
person, accordingly as their extreme necessity re- 
quired ; who, being one also of a considerable estate, 
spent the main part of it in this enterprize, and from 
first to last approved himself not only as their agent 
in the first transacting of things, but also all along to 
the period of his life, to be a pious, faithful, and very 
beneficial instrument, and now is reaping the fruit of 
his labour with the Lord. 

His wife, who was also a gracious woman, lived not 
six weeks after him : she being overcome with exces- 
sive grief for the loss of so gracious an husband, like- 
wise died. 

In some short distance of time after this, Mr. Wil- 
liam Bradford was chosen Governor of Plymouth in 
his stead, being not as yet well recovered of his weak- 
ness, having been at the point of death, and Mr. Isaac 
Allerton likewise was chosen to be his assistant. 

The second of July in this year they sent Mr, Ed- 
ward Winslow and Mr. Stephen Hopkins, unto the 
great Sachem Massasoiet aforesaid, with a gratuity to 
congratulate with him, and to view his country, and 



46 new-england's memorial. 

likewise to take notice of what strength of men he 
had, &c. having Squanto for their guide, who found 
his place to he about fr»rtj n)iles from New-Plymouth, 
his people few in comparison of what they had been, 
by reason of the mortality amongst the Indians fore- 
mentioned. These brought word, upon their return, 
of the Narragansets, a people that lived on the other 
side of that great bay, which are a people strong and 
many in number, living compact together, and had 
not at all been touched with the wasting plague before 
specified. They also brought a full intelligence in 
reference unto the particulars they were sent about, 
and so returned in safety. 

Thus their peace being established with the natives 
about them, which was much furthered by an Indian 
named Hobamak, who came to live arriongst the En- 
glish, he being a proper lusty young man, and one 
that was in account amongst the Indians in those parts 
for his valour, continued faithful and constant to the 
English until his death. He, with the said Squanto, 
being sent amongst the Indians about business for the 
English, were surprized by an Indian sachem named 
Corbitant, who was no friend to the English ; he met 
with him at Namassaket, and began to quarrel with 
him, and offered to stab Hobamak, who being a strong 
man, soon cleared himself of him; and with speed 
came and gave intelligence to the governor of Plym- 
outh, saying, he feared that Squanto was slain, for 
they were both threatened, and for no other cause, 
but that they were friends to the English, and ser- 
viceable to them. On which it was thought meet to 
vindicate their messengers, and not to suffer them to 
be thus wronged, and it was concluded to send some 
men to Namassaket well armed, and to fall upon 
them; whereupon fourteen men being well prepared 
were sent, under the conduct of Capt. Miles Standish, 
who when they came thither beset the house, and the 
said Captain entered into the same to look for the 
said Corbitant, but he was fled, and so they missed 



new-england's memorial. 47 

of him; but understood that Squanto was alive; so 
they withheld, and did no hurt, save three of the na- 
tives, pressing out of the house when it was beset, 
were sorely wounded; which they brought home to 
iheir town with them, and were dressed by their 
chyrurgeon, and cured. 

After this they had many congratulations from di- 
vers sachems, and much firmer peace, yea those of the 
isle of Capewak sent to make friendship with them, 
and this Corbitant himself used the meditation of 
Massasoiet to make his peace, but vyas shy to come 
near them a long time after. 

After this, on the eighteenth of September, they 
sent out their boat to the Massachusetts with ten 
men, and Squanto for their interpreter, to discover 
and view that bay, and to trade with the natives ; and 
found kind entertainment with them, who expressed 
themselves to be much afraid of the Tarateens, a peo- 
ple in the eastern part of New England, which used 
to come in harvest time and take awaj^ their corn, 
and many times kill some of their people ; who after 
they had accomplished their business, returned in 
safety, and made report of the place, wishing they 
had been there seated. But the Lord, who assigns 
to all men the bounds of their habitations, had ap- 
pointed it to another end and use. 

And thus they found the Lord to be with them in 
all their ways, and to bless their out-goings and in- 
comings : For which let his holy name have the 
praise forever. 

Being now w^ell recovered in respect of health (as 
hath been said) they began to fit up their buildings a- 
gainst winter, and received in their harvest, and had 
great plenty of fowl and fish, to their great refreshing. 

About the ninth of November came in a small ship 
to them, unexpected, in which came Mr. Robert Cush- 
man, who was both a godly man, and an active and 
faithful agent, and useful instrument in the common 
interest of this first design ; and there came with him 



48 new-england's memorial. 

in that ship, thirty-five persons, to remain and live in 
the plantation : Which did not a little rejoice the 
first planters. And these when they came on shore, 
and found all well, and saw plenty of provisions be- 
yond their expectation, were also satisfied and no less 
glad ; for coming in at Cape Cod before they came to 
Plymouth, and seeing nothing there but a barren 
place, they then began to think what should become 
of them, if the people were cut off by the Indians; and 
began to consult upon some passages, which some of 
the seamen had cast out, to take the sails from the 
yards, lest the ship should get away and leave them ; 
but the master hearing thereof, gave them good words, 
and told them. If any thing but well should have befal- 
len the people at Plymouth, he hoped he had provisi- 
ons enough to carry tUem to Virginia, and whilst he 
had any, they should have their part ; which gave 
them good satisfaction. 

This ship stayed at Plymouth not above fourteen 
days, and returned : and soon after her departure, the 
people called the Narragansets, aforesaid, sent messen- 
gers unto the plantation, with a bundle of arrows, tied 
together with a snake's sin, which their interpreter 
Squanto told them was a threatening and a challenge ; 
upon which the Governor of Plj^mouth sent them a 
rough answer, viz. That if they loved war rather than 
peace, they migiit begin when they would, they had 
done them no wrong, neither did they fear them, nor 
should they find them unprovided : And by another 
messenger sent the snake's skin back with bullets in it, 
but they would not receive it, but sent it back again. 
It is probable the reason of this their message to the 
English was their own ambition, who since the death 
of so many Indians, thought to domineer and lord it 
over the rest, and conceived the English would be a 
bar in the way, and saw that Massasoiet took shelter 
already under their wings : But this made the English 
more carefully to look to themselves, so they agreed 
to close their dwellings with a good strong pale, and 



new-england's memorial. 49 

made flankers in convenient places with gates to shut, 
which were every night locked, and a watch kept, 
and when need required there was also warding in 
the day time ; and the company was by the governor 
and captain's advice, divided into four squadrons, and 
every one had their quarter appointed them, unto 
which they were to repair ; and if there should be any 
cry of fire, a company was appointed for a guard with 
muskets, whilst others quenched the fire ; the same 
to prevent Indian treachery. And herewith 1 shall 
end the passages of this year. 

1622, 

At the spring of this year (the English having cer- 
tified the Indians of the Massachusetts, that they would 
come again unto them) they accordingly prepared to 
go thither ; but upon some rumours which they heard 
from Hobamak their friend fore-named, who feared 
that the Massachusetts were joined with the Narra- 
gansets, and might betray them if they were not care- 
ful ; and intimated also his jealousies of Squanto, by 
what he gathered from some private whisperings be- 
tween him and other Indians, that he was not leally 
cordial to the English in what he pretended, made 
them cautious. Notwithstanding, they sent out their 
boat with ten of their principal men about the begin- 
ning of April, and both Squanto and Hobamak with 
them, in regard of the jealousy between them ; but 
they had not been gone long, ere that an Indian be- 
longing to Squanto's family came running, seeming 
to be in great fear, and told them that many of the 
Narragansets, with Corbitant, (and he thought Massa- 
soiel) was coming against them i At which they be- 
took themselves to their arms, and supposing that the 
boat was not yet out of call, they caused a piece of 
ordnan< e to be discharged, to call them in again ; but 
this proved otherwise, for no Indians came. After 
this they went to the Massachusetts, and had good 
trade, and returned in safety, God be praised. 
5 



60 neW'-england's memorial* 

But by the former passages and things of like Da- 
ture, they began to see that Squanto sought his own 
ends, and played his own ganrie, by putting the Ind- 
ians in fear, and drawing gifts from them to enrich 
himself ; making them believe he could stir up war 
against them when he would, and make peace for 
them when he would ; yea, he made them believe, 
that the English kept the plague buried in the 
ground;* & could send it amongst whom they would, 
which did much terrify the Indians; and made them 
more depend on him and feel more to him than to 
their great Sachem Massasoiet ; which procured him 
envj^, and had like to have cost him his life; for after 
the discovery of these practices, the said Massasoiet 
sought it both privately and openly ; which caused 
him to stick close to the English, and never durst go 
from them until his death. They also made good use 
of the emulation that grew between Hobamak and 
him, which made them both carry more squarely ; 
and the governor seemed to countenance the one, 
nnd their captain the other ; by which they had the 
better intelligence, and made them both the more dil- 
igent. 

About the latter end of May they espied a vessel 
at sea, which at the first they thought to be a French- 
man, but it proved one that belonged to Mr. Thomas 
Weston, a merchant ; which came from a ship which 
he and another had sent out on fishing to a place 
called Damarels Cove, in the Eastern parts of N. E. 
This boat brought seven men and some letters, but 
no provisions to them, of which they were in contin- 
ual expectation from England, which expectations 
"were frustrated in that behalf; for they never had 
any supply to any purpose after this time, but what 
the Lord helped them to raise by their industry a- 
mongst themselves : For all that came afterwards was 
too short for the passengers that came with.it. 

* This was said to be a barrel of gunpowder buried in the 
ground. 



ICEW- England's memoriai/. 51 

After this the same year, the above named Mr. 
Thomas Weston, who had formerly been one of the 
merchant adventurers to the plantation of New Plym- 
outh (but had now broken off and deserted the gene- 
ral concerns thereof) sent over two ships, the one 
named the Sparrow, the other the Charity, on his 
own particular interest ; in the one of them came six- 
ty lusty men, who were to be put on shore at Plym- 
outh, for the ship was to go with other passengers to 
Virginia ; these were courteously entertained (with 
the seven men fore named, belonging to the said Wes-- 
ton, at Plymouth aforesaid) until the ship returned 
from Virginia, which was the most part of that sum- 
mer ; many of them being sick, and all of them desti- 
tute of habitation, and unacquainted with this new be- 
ginning ; at the ship's return from Vir^^inia, by the 
direction of the said Mr. Weston their Master, or 
such as he had set over them, they removed into Mas- 
sachusetts Bay, he having got a patent for some part 
there, yet they left all their sick folks at Plymouth, 
until they were settled and fitted for housing to re- 
ceive them. These were an unruly company, and 
no good government over them, and by disorder fell 
into many wants, as afterwards will appear. 

But before 1 pass on, 1 may not omit the mention- 
ing of a courteous letter that came in the vessel above 
named, in which the above said seven men came, be- 
ing directed to the Governour of Plymouth, with re- 
spect unto the whole plantation, from a Captain of a 
ship at the eastward, who came thither on a fishing 
voyage ; the which for the ingenuity of the man, and 
bis courtesy therein expressed, may not unfitly be 
here inserted, being inscribed as followeth : 

To all his good friends in Plymouth, 

Friends, countrymen, and neighbours, T salute you, 
and wish you all health and happiness in the Lord : 
I make bold with these few lines to trouble you, be- 
cause unless 1 were inhuman, i can do no less. Bad 



52 new-england's memorial. 

news doth spread itself too far, yet I will so far in- 
form, that mjself with many good friends in the south 
colony of Virginia have received such a blow, that 
four hundred persons large will not make good our 
losses. Therefore 1 do entreat you, although not 
knowing you, that the old rule, which I learned when 
I went to school, may be sufficient, that is, Happy is 
he who other men's harms do make to beware : And 
now again and again, wishing all those that willingly 
would serve the Lord, all health and happiness in this 
world, and everlasting peace in the world to come. 
/ rest yours^ 

JOHN HUDSTON. 

Tn the same vessel the governor returned a thank- 
ful answer, as was meet, and sent a boat of their own 
with them, which was piloted by them ; in which 
Mr. Edward Winslow was sent to procure what pro- 
visions he could of the ship, who was kindly received 
by the aforesaid gentleman, who not only spared 
what he could, but wrote to others to do the like ; by 
which means the plantation had a good quantity of 
provisions. [Although this was not much amongst them 
all^ yet it was a very seasonable blessing and supply^ they 
being now in a low condition for want of food,'] 

This summer they built a fort with good timber, 
both strong and comely, which was of good defence, 
made with a flat roof, and battlements ; on which fort 
their ordnance was mounted, and where they kept 
constant watch especially in time of danger : It serv- 
ed them also for a meeting-house, and was fitted ac- 
cordingly for that use. It was a great work for them 
to do in their weakness, and times of want ; but the 
danger of the time required it, there being continual 
rumours of the Indians, and fears of their rising 
against them, especially the Narragansets ; and also 
the hearing of that great and sad massacre in Virginia 
above named. 

It may not here be omitted, that notwithstanding 



new-england's memorial. 53 

all their great pains and industry, and the great hopes 
they had of a large crop, the Lord seemed to threaten 
them with njore and sorer famine by a great drought 
which continued from the third week in May, until 
the middle of July, without any rain, and with great 
heat of weather for the most part, insomuch that their 
corn began to wither away, although it was planted 
with fish, according to their usual manner in those 
times; yet at length it began to languish sore, and 
some of the drier grounds was parched like withered 
hay, part whereof was never recovered. Upon which 
they set apart a solemn day of humiliation, to seek 
the Lord by humble and fervent prayer in this great 
distress : And he was pleased to give them a gracious 
and speedy answer, both to their own and the Indians 
admiration that lived amongst them ; for all that morn- 
ing, and the greatest part of the day, it was clear 
weather, and very hot, and not a cloud nor any sign 
of rain to be seen, yet towards evening it began to be 
overcast, and shortly after to rain, with such sweet 
and gentle showers, as gave them cause of rejoicing 
and blessing God : Jt came without either wind or 
thunder, or any violence, and by degrees in that a- 
bundance, as that the earth was thoroughly wet and 
soaked therewith, which did so apparently revive and 
quicken the decayed corn and other fruits, as was 
wonderful, and made the Indians astonished to behold. 
A little before the Lord sent this rain of liberalities 
upon his people, one of them having occasion to go to 
the house of the aforenamed Hobamak, the Indian, he 
the said Hobamak said unto him, I am much troubled 
for the English, for I am afraid they will lose all their 
corn by the drought, and so they will be all starved ; 
as for the Indians, they can shift better than the En- 
glish, for they can get fish to help themselves. But 
afterwards the same man having occasion to go again 
to his house, he said to him, Now I see Englishman's 
God is a good God, for he hath heard 3'ou, and sent 
you rain, and that without storms and tempests, and 
5* 



54 new-england's memorial, 

thunder, which usually we have with our rain, which 
breaks ilown our corn, but yours stands whole and 
good still : surely your God is a good God : Or with 
words to the like effect. [The person that made this 
relation is still surviving, and a principal man in the 
jurisdiction of JNew Plymouth.] 

And after this gracious return of prayers in this so 
seasonable a blessing of the rain, the Lord sent them 
such seasonable showers, with interchange of warm 
weather, as (through his blessing) caused in its time a 
fruitful and liberal harvest, to their great comfort and 
rejoicing ; for which mercy, in time convenient, they 
also solemnized a day of thanksgiving unto the Lord. 

Now the welcome harvest approached, in the 
which all had some refreshment, but it arose but 
to a little in comparison of a whole year's supply ; 
partly by reason they were not yet well acquainted 
with the manner of the husbandry of the Indian corn 
(having no other) and also their many other employ- 
ments ; but chiefly their weakness for want of food, 
so as to appearance famine was like to ensue, if not 
some way prevented : Markets there was none to go 
unto, but only the Indians ; but they had no trading 
stuff. But behold now another providence of God ; 
a ship came into the harbour, one Capt. Jones being 
chief in her, sent out by some merchants to discover 
all the harbours between Cape Cod and Virginia, and 
to trade along the coast. This ship had store of En- 
glish beads, (which were then good trade) and some 
knives, but would sell none but at dear rates, and also 
a good quantity together ; yet they were glad of the 
occasion, or fain to buy at any rate : They were fain 
to give after the rate of cent, per cent, if not more, 
and yet pay away coat beaver at three shillings per 
pound. By this means they were fitted again to trade 
for beaver and other things, and so procured what 
corn they could. 

But here let me take liberty to make a little digress- 
ion : There was in the ship sent by Mr. Weston fore 



NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 55 

named (in which his men came) a gentleman named 
Mr. John Porey, he had been secretary in Virginia, 
and was now going home passenger in this ship. Af- 
ter his departure he wrote a letter to the governor of 
Plymouth, in the postcript whereof he hath these 
expressions following : 

To yourself and Mr. Brewster I must humbly ac- 
knowledge myself many ways indebted, whose books 
J would have you think verj' well bestowed, who es- 
teems them such jewels. My haste would not suffer 
me to remember, much less to beg Mr. A ins worth's 
elaborate work on the five books of Moses; both his 
and Mr. Robinson's do highly commend the authors, 
as being most conversant in the scriptures of all oth- 
ers ; and what good who knows it may please God to 
work by them through my hands, though most un- 
worthy, who find such content in them. God have 
you all in his keeping. 

Your unfeigned and firm friend^ 

August 28, 1622. JOHN POREY. 

These things 1 here insert, partly for the honor's 
sake of the author's memory, which this gentleman 
doth so ingeniously acknowledge, and also the credit 
and good that he procured unto the plantation of Plym- 
outh after his return, and that amongst those of no 
mean rank. But to return. 

Mr. Weston's people fore-named, who were now 
seated in the bay of the Massachusetts, at a place call- 
ed by the Indians Wesagusquaset, (now by the En- 
glish called Weymouth) and by disorder (as it seem- 
ed) had made havock of their provision ; they began 
now to conceive that want would come upon them ; 
and hearing that their neighbours at Plymouth had 
bought trading stuff, as aforesaid, and intended to 
trade for corn, they wrote to the Governour, and de- 
sired that they might join with them, and they would 
employ their small ship in this service ; and also re- 
quested to lend or sell them so much of their trading 



56 new-england's memorial. 

stuff as their part might come to : Which was agreed 
unto on equal terms ; so they went out in the expe- 
dition, with an intention to go about Cape Cod to the 
south ward,but meeting with cross winds, & other cross- 
es, went in at MannamofJc, where the aforesaid Squan- 
to, being their guide and interpreter, fell sick, and 
within a few days died. A little before his death, he 
desired the Governor of Plymouth (who then was 
there to pray for him, that he might go to the Kn- 
gli.'hman's God in heaven ; and bequeathed divers 
of his things to sundry of his friends, as remembran- 
ces of his love ; of whom they had a great loss. 

Here they got a considerable quantity of corn, and 
so returned. After these things John Sanders, who 
was left chief over Mr. Weston's men at VVesagusqua- 
set in the month of February, sent a messenger, shew- 
ing the great wants they were fallen into, and would 
have borrowed corn of the Indians, but they would 
lend him none ; and desired advice whether he might 
take it from them by force to succour his men, until 
return from the eastward, whither he was now going. 
But the Governor and the rest dissuaded him by all 
means from it, for it might so exasperate the Indians, 
as mi^rht endanofer their safety, and all of them might 
smart for it; for they had already heard how they 
had wronged the Indians, by stealing their corn, &c. 
so as the natives were much incensed against them ; 
yea, so base were some of their own companj'", as 
they went and told the Indians, that their Governor 
was purposed to come and take their corn by force, 
which with other things made them enter into a con- 
spiracy against the English. And herewith I end the 
relation of the most remarkable passages of God's 
providence towards the first planters, which fell out 
in this year. 

1623. 

Mr. Weston's people fore named, notwithstanding 
all helps they could procure for supply of prox i^^ions, 
fell into great extremity, which was occasioned by 



NEW-ENGLANd's TVIEBIORIAL. 57 

their excessive extravagance while they had it, or 
could get it ; and after they came into want, many 
sold away their clothes and bed coverings ; others 
were so base as they became servants to the Indians, 
and would cut them wood, and fetch them water for 
a cap full ofcorn 5 others fell to stealing both night 
and day from the Indians, of which they grieviously 
complained. In the end they came to that miser)', 
that some starved and died with hunger ; and one in 
gathering of shell fish was so weak, as he stuck fast 
in the mud, and was found dead in the place; and 
most of them left their dwellings, and were scattered 
up and down in the woods by the water side, where 
they could find ground nuts and clams, here six and 
there ten, by which their carriages they became con- 
temned and scorned of the Indians, insomuch, as they 
began greatly to insult over them in a most insolent 
manner, so as if tliey had set on such victuals as they 
had gotten to dress it, when it was ready, the Indians 
would come and tat it up ; and when night came, 
when as possibly some of them had a sorry blanket, 
or such like, to lap themselves in, the Indians would 
take it, and let the other lie all night in the cold, so 
as their condition was very lamentable ; and in the 
end they were fain to hang one of their company, 
whom they could not reclaim from stealing, to give 
the Indians content. 

Whilst things went on in this manner with them, 
the Governour and people of Plymouth had notice 
that the Sachem Massasoiet, their friend, was sick, 
and near unto death, and they sent to visit him, and 
sent some comfortable things, which gave him con- 
tent, and was a means of his recovery : Upon which 
occasion he divscovered the conspiracy of these Ind- 
ians, how they were resolved to cut off Mr. Weston's 
company, for the continual injuries they had done 
them, and would now take opportunity of their weak- 
ness, and do it ; and for that end had conspired with 
other Indians their neighbours thereabouts ; And 



i)0 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 

thinking the people here would revenge their death, 
they therefore to prevent it, and that speedily, by 
taking some of the chief of them before it was too late, 
for he assured them of the truth thereof. 

This did much trouble them, and they took it into 
serious consideration, and lound upon examination, 
and other evidences to give light thereinto, that the 
matter was really so as the said Sachem had told them. 
In the mean time came an Englishman* from the 
Massachusetts, from the said company in miserj^, as 
hath been above related, with a pack at his back-, and 
although he knew not a foot of the way, yet he got 
safe hither, but lost his way, which was well for him, 
for he was pursued by two Indians, who by God's 
providence, missed of him by that means ; and he re- 
lated how all things stood with him there, and that 
he durst stay there no longer, for he apprehended by 
what he observed that they would be all slain ere 
long. This made them make the more haste, and 
they dispatched a boat away with some men under 
the conduct of Capt. Standish, who found them in a 
miserable condition ; out of which he rescued them, 
and helped them to some relief, cut oil' some of the 
chief conspirators against them, and according to his 
order offered to bring them all to Plymouth, to be 
there until Mr. Weston came, or some other way 
should be presented for their help : They thanked 
him and the rest, but they rather desired that he 
would help them with some corn, and they would go 
with their small ship to the eastward, to look out a 
way for themselves, either to have relief bj nieeting 
with Mr. Weston, or if not to work with the fisher- 
men for their supply, and their passage for England ; 
«o they shipped what they had of any worth, and he 
helped them with as much corn as he could, and saw 

* This man's name was Phinehas Pratt, who has peoned the 
particulars of his perilous journey, and some other things re- 
lating to this tragedy. 



new-england's memorial. 59 

them out of the bay under sail, and so canne home, 
not taking the worth of a penny of any of them. 

This was the end of these that sometimes boasted 
of tlieir strength, being all able lusty men, and what 
they would do and bring to pass, in comparison of 
the people of Plymouth, who had many women and 
children, and weak ones; and said at their first arriv- 
al, when they saw the wants at Plymouth, that they 
would take another course and not fall into such a 
condition as this simple people were come to : But a 
man's way is not in his own power, God can make 
the weak stand : Let him that thinketh he standeth 
(in such respect as well as other) take heed lest he 
fall.* 

Shortly after, Mr. Weston came over with some of 
the fishermen, where he heard of the ruin of hia 
plantation, and got a boat, and with a man or two 
came to see how things were; but by the way (for 
want of skill) in a storm he cast away his boat in the 
bottom of the bay, between Merrimack and Piscata- 
qua, and hardly escaped with life ; and afterwards 
fell into the hands of Indians, who pillaged him of all 
that he had saved from the sea, and stripped him of 
all tds clothes to his shirt. At last begot to Piscataqua, 
and borrowed a suit of clothes, and got means and 
came to Plymouth. A strange alteration there was 
in him, to such as had seen and known him in his 
former flourishing condition; so uncertain are all 
things of this uncertain world. 

. But to return to the state and condition of the 
planters at Plymouth, all this while no supply heard 
of, so they began to think how they might raise as 
much corn as they could, so as they might not lan- 
guish in misery as formerly they had done, and at the 
present they di.i, and it was thoufj;ht the best way, 
and accordingly given way unto, that every one 
should plant corn for his own particular, and in that 

*Here see the effects of pride and vaio glory. 



60 new-england's memorial. 

regard provide for themselves, and in other respects 
continue the general course and way as before: And 
so they ranged all their youth under some family, 
and set upon such a course, which had good success, 
for it made all hands very industrious, so as much 
corn was planted. 

This course being settled, by that time all their 
corn was planted, all their victuals was spent, and they 
were only to rest on God's providence; many times 
at night not knowing where to have any thing to sus- 
tain nature the next day, & so (as one well observed) 
had need to pray, that God would give them their 
daily bread, above all people in the world ; yet they 
bare those wants with great patience and alacriiy of 
spirit, and that for so long a time as the most part of 
two years. 

Which brings to mind what *Peter Martin writes 
in his magnifying of the Spaniards : They (said he) 
led a miserable life for five days together, with parch- 
ed grain of maize only, and that not to satiety; and 
then concludes, that such pains, such labours, he 
thought none living, who Is not a Spaniard, could have 
endured. 

But alas! Those men when they had maize (that is 
Indian corn) they thought it as good as a feast, and 
wanted not only for live daj^s together, but sometimes 
for two or three months together, and neither had 
bread or any kind of corn. 

Indeed in another place in his second Decade?, page 
94, he mentions how others of them were worse put 
to it, where they were fain to eat dogs, toads, and dead 
men, and so almost all of them died. From these ex- 
tremities the Lord in his goodness preserved both 
their lives and healths, let his holy name have the 
praise : Yet let me here make use of this conclusion; 
that with their miseries they opened a way to those 
new lands; and after storms, with ease, other raea 

"^Iq his first, Decade, page 208. 



61 

came to inhabit in them, in respect of the calamities 
these men suffered; so as they seem to go to a bride 
feast, where all things are provided for them. 

They having one boat left, and she none of the 
best, with a net which they bought, improved them 
for the taking of bass, which proved a good help to 
them, and when those failed they were fain all hands 
to go dig shell fish out of tho sands for their living, in 
the winter season ground-nuts and fowl were the 
principal of their refreshing, until God sent more set- 
tled and suitable supplies, by his blessing upon their 
industry. 

At length they received some letters from the ad- 
venturers, which gave them intelligence of a ship set 
out to come hither unto Plymouth, named the Para- 
gon : This ship was bought by Mr. John Pierce, and 
set out on his own charge, upon hopes of great mat- 
ters ; the passengers and goods, the company sent in 
her, he tooii in for freight, for which they agreed with 
him to be delivered here; this was he in whose name 
their first patent was taken, for this place where Ply- 
mouth is, by reason of acquaintance, and some alli- 
ance that some of their friends had with him, but his 
name was only used in trust ; but when he saw they 
were here hopefullv seated, and by the success God 
gave them, had obtained favour of the council of 
New-England, he goes and sues to the said council for 
another patent of much larger extent in their names, 
which was easily obtained, but he meant to keep it 
to himself, and to allow them what they pleased to 
hold of him as tenants, and sue to his courts as chief 
Lord : But the Lord marvellously crossed him in his 
proceedings; for when his ship above-named set out 
from the Thames, she sprang aleak by that time she 
got to the Downs, and also by reason of a chop that 
accidentally befell one of their cables, it broke in a 
stress of wind while she there rode, and was in danger 
to have been driven on the sands, and theieupon was 
constrained to return back to London, and there ar- 
6 



62 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMOUIALr 

rived in fourteen days after, and was hauled up mfa 
the dock, and an hundred pounds more bestowed on 
lier to mend her leaks and bruises, which she received 
in the aforesaid storm ; and when she was again fitted 
for the voyage, he pestered his ship, and takes in 
more passengers, and those some of them not very 
good, to help to bear his losses, and sets out the sec- 
ond time; and when he was halfway, or thereabouts, 
to New-England, was forced back again by an extreme 
tempest, wherein the goodness and merey of God ap- 
peared in their preservation, being one hundred and 
ninety souls. This ship suffered the greatest extrem- 
ity at sea, at her second setting forth, as is seldom the 
like heard of: It was about the middle of February, 
that the storm began, and it continued for the most 
part of fourteen days, but for two or three days and 
nights together, in most violent extremity. At the 
beginning of the storm, their boat being above-decks, 
was thrown overboard ; they spent their mainmast, 
their round house was beaten off with the storm, and 
all the upper works of their ship ; he that stood to 
give direction for the gjiiding of her before the sea, 
was made fast, to prevent his washing overboard, and 
the seas did so overtake them as that many times 
those upon the deck knew not whether they were 
within board or without ; and by her extreme leak- 
ing, being a very rotten ship, and the storm increas- 
ing, she wa& once very near foundering in the sea, so 
as they thought she would never rise again : Not- 
withstanding the Lord was pleased of his great mercy 
to preserve them ; and after great weather-beaten 
and extraordinary danger, they arrived safe at Ports- 
mouth in Hampshire, to the wonderment of all that 
beheld in what condition they were, and heard what 
they had endured. This relation was made by Mr. 
William Pierce, the master of the said ship, and some 
passengers of good credit. 

Upon the return of the said Mr. John Pierce for 
England ; (he being personally in this his ship in the 



63 

S'b -sad storm) the other merchant adventurers got him 
to assign over the grand patent to the compaiy, 
which he had taken in his own name, and made quite 
void their former patent. 

About the latter end of June, came in a ship* at 
Plymouth with Capt. Francis West, who had a com- 
mission to be Admiral of" New England, to restrain 
interlopers, and such fishing ships as came to fish 
and trade without license from the council of New 
England, for which they should pay a great sum of 
money; but he could do no good of them, for they 
were too strong for him, and he found the fishermen 
to be refractory, and their ownersv upon complaint 
made to the Parliament, procured an order that fish- 
ing should be free. He told the Governor of Plym- 
outh that they spoke with a ship at sea, and were on 
board her, that was coming to the said plantation of 
Plymouth, in which were sundry passengers, and 
they marvelled she was not arrived, fearing some 
miscarriage; for tiie^'' lost her in a storm that fell 
shortly after they had been on board : Which rela- 
tion filled them full of fears, yet mixed with hope. 
The master of the ship had two hogsheads of pease to 
sell, but seeing their wants, held them at nine pounds 
sterling an hogshead, and under eight he would not 
take, and yet would have beaver at an under rate ; 
but they told him they had lived so long without, and 
would do still, rather than give so unreasonably; so 
the said ship went from Plymouth to Virginia. 

About fourteen daj's after came in the ship, called 
the Ann, whereof Mr. William Pierce was master : 
Two of the principal passengers that came in this 
ship were Mr. Timothy Hatherly and Mr. George 
Morton ; the former, viz. Mr. Timothy Hatherly, 
soon after his arrival met with some cross providences 
by burning of his house, whereby he was much im- 
»^'"' --bed, and much discouraged, and returned the 
)r following for England ; and afterwards the 
Tliis was the ship called Paragon aforesaid. 



6 4 NEW-ENGLAND*S MEMORIAL* 

Lord was pleased to reneiv his estate, and he came 
again into New England, and proved a very profitable 
and beneficial instrument both in church and common- 
wealth, being one of the first beginners, and a good 
instrument to uphold the church and town of Scitu- 
ate; and also served God and the jurisdiction of Ply- 
mouth in the place of magistracy, and retained his 
integrity in the profession of the ways of Christ unto 
old age; still surviving at the penning hereof. 

The latter of the two forenamed, viv. Mr. George 
Morton, was a pious, gracious servant of God, and ve- 
ry faithful in whatsoever public employment he was 
betrusted withal, and an unfeigned well-wilier, and 
according to his sphere and condition a suitable pro- 
moter of the common good and growth of the planta- 
tion of New-Plymouth; labouring to still the discon- 
tents that sometimes would arise amongst some spirits, 
by occasion of the dilBculties of these new begin- 
nings ; but it pleased God to put a period to his days 
soon after his arrival in New-England, not surviving 
a full year after his coming ashore. With much com- 
fort and peace he fell asleep in the Lord, in the month 
of June, anno 1624. 

About ten days after the arrival of the ship called 
the Ann, above-named, there came in another small 
ship of about forty-four tons, named the James, Mr. 
Bridges being master thereof; which said ship the 
Ann had lost at sea by reason of foul weather ; she was 
a fine new vessel, built to stay^ in the country. One 
of the principal passengers that came in her was Mr. 
John Jenny, who was a godly, though otherwise a 
plain man, yet singular for publicness of spirit, setting 
himself to seek and promote the common good of the 
plantation of New-Ph^mouth ; who spent not only his 
part of his ship (being part owner thereof) in the 
general concernment of the plantation, but also after- 
wards was always a leading man in promoting the 
general interest of this colony : He lived many 
years in New-England, and fell asleep in the Lord, 



NEW-iENGLAND S MEMORIAL. 6a 

anno 1644. In the two ships last nanr^ed, came over 
manj other persons besides those before recited, who 
proved of good use in their places. 

These ^passengers seeing tlie low and poor condi- 
tion of those that were here before thenn, were much 
daunted and dismayed, and according to their divers 
humours, were diversly affected. Some wished 
themselves in England again ; others fell on weeping 
fancying their own misery in what they saw in otii- 
ers ; other some pitying the distress they saw their 
friends had been long in, and still were under. In a 
word, all were full of sadness ; only some of their old 
friends rejoiced to see them, and that it was no worse 
with them, for they could not expect it should be bet- 
ter, and now hoped they should enjoy better days 
together. And truly it was no marvel they should 
be thus affected, for they were in a very low condi- 
tion, both in respect of food and clothing at thai time. 

To consider seriously how sadly the scripture 
speaks of the famine in Jacob's time, when he said to 
his sons, go, bu}^ us food, that we may live and not 
die ; and that the famine was great and heavy in the 
land, and yet thev had great herds and store of cattle 
of sundry kinds, which, besides their flesli, must needs 
produce other useful benefits for food, and yet it was 
accounted a sore affliction. But the misery of the 
planters at Plymouth, at the first beginning, must 
needs be very great therefore, who net only wanted 
the stai* of bread, but all the benefits of cattle, and had 
no Egypt to go to, but God fed them out of the sea 
for the most part ; so wonderful is his powerful prov- 
idence over his in all ages ; for his mercy endureth 
forever. 

About the middle of September arrived Capt. Rob- 
ert Gorges, in the bay of the Massachusetts, with sun- 
dry passengers and families, intended there to begin 
a plantation, and pitched upon that place, which Mr. 
Weston forenamed had forsaken. He had a commis- 
sion from the council of New-England to be general 
6* 



0*6 new-england's memorial. 

governor of the country ; and they appointed, for h\& 
council and assistants, Capt. Francis West, the afore- 
said admiral, Christopher Levet, Esq. and the gov- 
ernor of Plymouth for the time being : Also they 
gave him authority to choose such others as he should 
lind fit. Also they gave by their commission full 
power to him and his assistants, or any three of them, 
(whereof himself was always to be one) to do and ex- 
ecute what to them should seem good, in all cases, 
capital, criminal and civil ; with divers other instruc- 
tions : Of which, and his commission, it pleased him 
to suffer the Governor of Plymouth to take a copy. 

He meeting with the aforesaid Mr. Weston at 
Plymouth, called him before him and some other of 
the assistants, with the Governor of Plymouth afore- 
said, and charged him with the ill carriage of his men 
at the Massachusetts, by which means the peace of the 
country was disturbed, and himself and the people 
which he had brought over to plant in that bay, there- 
by much prejudiced. To which the said Weston ea- 
sily answered, that what was done in that behalf, was 
done in his absence, and might have befallen any 
man : He left them sufficiently provided, and con- 
ceived they would have been well governed ; and for 
any error committed he had sufficiently smarted. 

Another particular was, an abuse done to his father, 
Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and to the state. The thing 
was this ; he used him and others of the council of 
New England, to procure him a license for the trans- 
porting of many great pieces of ordnance for New- 
England, pretending great fortification here in the 
country ; for which when he had obtained, he sold 
them beyond sea for his profit. At which the state 
was much offended, and his father suffered a shrewd 
check, and he had order to apprehend him. (The 
said Mr. Thomas Weston was a man of parts, and a 
merchant of good account in London. Some time af- 
ter these passages, he went for England, and died in 
the city of Bristol, he proved but a staff of reed to the 
plantation of Plymouth.) 



NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 67 

The said Weston excused it as well as he could, but 
could not wholly deny it : But after much speech 
about it, by the mediation of the Governor of Plym- 
outh, and some other friends, the said Capt. Gorges 
was inclined to gentleness, (though he apprehended 
the abuse of his father deeply) which when the said 
Weston perceived, he grew the more presumptuous, 
and gave such cutting and provoking speeches, as 
made the said Captain to rise up in great indignation 
and distemper, vowing, that he would either rurb him 
or send him home for England. At which the said 
Weston was daunted, and came privately to the Gov- 
ernor of Plymouth, to know whether they would suf- 
fer him to send him for England? it was answered 
him, they could not hinder it; and much bianiedhim, 
that after they had pacified things, he should thus 
break out by his own folly and rashness, and bring 
trouble upon himself and others. 

He confessed it was his passion, and prayed the 
Governor aforesaid to entreat for him, and procure a 
pacification for him if he could: The which at last he 
did obtain with much difficulty. So he was called 
again, and the said Capt. Gorges was content to take 
his own bond to be ready to make further answer, 
when either he or the lords of tiie council should send 
for him; and at last he took only his own word, and 
so there was a friendly parting on all hands. 

Soon after this, the said Captain Gorges took his 
leave, and went to the Massachusetts by land, being 
very thankful for his kind entertainment. His ship 
stayed at Plymouth, and fitted for to go to Virginia, 
having some passengers to deliver there ; and with 
lier returned sundry of those from Plymouth, which 
came over on their particular account ; some out of 
discontent and dislike of the country, and others by 
reason of fire that burnt their houses and all their 
provisions, so as they were necessitated thereunto. 

*This fire was by some of the seamen that were 
roystering in an house where it first began, making a 
*This was on the fifth of November, 1624. 



68 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 

great fire, the weather beins: cold, which broke out of 
the chimnev into the thatch, and burnt three houses 
and consumed all their goods. The house in which 
it began, was right against the store house at Ply- 
mouth, which they had much ado to save; in wliich 
was the common store of the. provisions of the pianta* 
tion, which had it beeii lost, the same had been over- 
tiirown ; but through God's mercy it was saved by 
the diligence of the people, and care of the Governor 
Sz tho«e about him. Some would have had the goods 
thrown out, but if it had, there would have been much 
lost by the rude company belonging to the two fore* 
named ships, which were almost all on shore at this 
time ; but a trusty company were placed within, as 
well as such as were mean while employed in quench* 
ing the fire without, that if necessity required they 
might have them all out with speed ,• for they sus- 
pected some malicious dealing, if not plain treachery ; 
and whether it was only suspected or not, God knows; 
but this is certain, that when the tumult was greatest, 
there was a voice heard (hut from whence it came is 
uncertain) that bade them look out well about them, 
for ail were not friends that were then about them : 

*And soon after, when the vehemency of the fire 
was over, smoke was seen to arise within a shed that 
was joined to the end of the store-house, which was 
wattled up with boughs, in the withered leaves there- 
of the fire beingr kindled, which some running to 
quench, found a Ion-: fie brand of about an ell long, 
lying under the wall on the inside, which could not 
come thither by casualty, but must be laid there by 
some hand, in the judi^ment of all that saw it. But 
God kept them from this danger, whatever might be 
intended. 

But to return again, to speak something of the afore- 
said Capt. Gorges, after he had \)e(in ai the Eastward 
& expedited some occasions there, he (^ some that de- 
pended upon him returned for England, having scarce- 
« *A very remarkable preservation. 



new-england's memorial. 69 

]y saluted the country in his government, finding the 
state of things not to answer his quality and condition; 
his people dispersed themselves, some for England, 
others for Virginia, some few remained, and were 
helped with supplies from Plymouth: Amongst the 
rest the said Captain brought over a minister with 
him, one Mr. Morrel, who returned for England about 
a year after him, he took ship at Plymouth, and had 
a certain power and authority of superintendency 
over other churches granted him, and instructions for 
that end ,• but he never shewed it, or made any use of 
it, but only spoke of it to some of Plymouth, at his 
going away. This v.as in effect the end of the second 
plantation, in the aforenamed place called Wesagus- 
quaset. 

There were also some scattering beginnings made 
in other places, as at Piscataqua, by Mr. David 
Thompson, and at Monhegiu, and some other places, 
by sundry others. 

1624. 

The time of new election of officers being come for 
this year at Plymouth, the number of their people be- 
ing increased, and their troubles and occasions there- 
with ; the Governour desired them to change the 
persons, as well as renew the election, and also to add 
more assistants to the Governor for help and counsel, 
and the better carrying on of public affairs, shewing 
that it was necessary it should so be ; for if it were an 
honour or benefit, it was fit that others should be 
made partakers of it ; if it was a burden (as doubtless 
it was) it was but equal that others should help to 
bear it, and that this was the end of yearly elections. 

The conclusion was, that whereas there was before 
but one assistant, they now chose five, giving the Gov- 
ernor a double voice ; and afterwards they increased 
them to seven, which course hath continued in that 
colony until this day. 

In the month of March, in this year, Mr. Edward 
Winslow arrived at Plymouth in New Englandj having 



70 

been employed as agent for that plantation, on sundry 
occasions, with tlie merchant adventurers in England, 
who brought a considerable supply with him, the 
ship being bound on a fishing voyage; and with him 
came Mr. John Lyford, a minister, which was sent 
over by some of the adventurers. 

There came over likewise in this ship three heif- 
ers and a bull, which were the first neat cattle that 
came into New England. 

The aforesaid John Lyford, when he came first on 
shore, saluted them of the plantation of Plymouth 
with that reverence and humility, as is seldom to be 
seen ; and indeed made them ashamed, he so bowed 
and cringed unto them, and would have kissed their 
hands if they would have suffered him; yea, he wept 
and shed many tears, blessing God that he had 
brought iiim to see their faces; and admiring the 
things they had done in their wants, as if he had been 
made all of love, and the humblest person in the 
world ; but in the end proved more like those men- 
tioned by the Psalmist, Ps. x. 10, that crouched and 
bowed, that heaps of the poor may fall by them ; or 
like unto dissembling Ishmael, who when he had slain 
Gedaliah, went out weeping, Jer. xli. 6, and met those 
that were coming to offer incense in the house of the 
Lord, saying, come to Gedaliah, when he meant to 
slay them. They gave him the best entertainment 
they could, in all simplicity, and as their Governor 
had used in all weighty affairs, to consult with their 
elder, Mr. Brewster, together with his assistants: so 
now he called Mr. Lyford also on such like occa- 
sions, after some short time, he desired to join himself 
a member to their church, and was accordingly re- 
ceived ; he made a large confession of his faith, and 
an acknowledgment of his former disorderly walking, 
and his being entangled with many corruptions, which 
had been a burden tt) his conscience, and blessed God 
for this opportunity of freedom and liberty, with many 
more such like expressions; in some short time he. 



kew-exgland's memorial. 71 

fell into acquaintance with Mr. John Oldham, who 
was a copartner with him in his alter courses ; not 
long after, both Oldham and he grew very perverse, 
and shewed a spirit of great malignity, drawing as 
many into a faction as they could : were they never 
so vile and profane, ihej did nourish and abet them 
in all their doings, so they would but cleave to them, 
and speak against the church : So as there was nothing 
but private meetings and whisperings amongst them, 
they feeding themselves and others with what they 
should bring to pass in England, by the faction of their 
friends * there ; w hich brought others as well as them- 
selves into a fool's paradise, yet they could not carry 
so closely, but both much of their doings and sayings 
were discovered, although outwardly thej' set a fair 
face on things. 

At length when the ship he came in was ready to 
return for England, and it was observed that Lyford 
was long in writing, and sent many letters, and could 
not forbear to communicate to his intimates such 
things as made them laugh in their sleeves, and 
thought he had done their errand sufficiently : The 
Governor and some of his friends knowing how things 
stood in reference to some known arHersaries in Eng- 
land, and what hurt these thiniis might do, took a 
boat& went out with the ship aleai^ue or ivvo,«5y.. called 
forLyford's and Oldham's letters, ?rlr. William Pierce 
being master of the ship, and knew well their evil 
dealings (both in England and here) afforded them all 
the assistance he could ; he found about twenty of 
Lyford's letters, many of them large and full of slan- 
ders and false accusations, tending not only to their 
prejudice, but ruin and utter subversion ; most of 
them they let pass, only took copies of them, but 
some of the most material they sent true copies of 
them, and kept the originals, lest he should deny 
them, and that they might produce his own hand 

* That is, some of the adventurers, who proved in the issue 
adversaries to the plantation. 



72 

against him : Amongst these letters they found the 
copies of two letters which were sent in a letter of 
his to Mr. John Pemberton, a minister, and a great 
opposite to the plantation ; these two letters of which 
he took copies, were one of them written by a gen- 
tleman in England to Mr. Brewster here, the other 
by Mr. Winslow to Mi. Robinson in Holland, at his 
coming away, as the ship lay at Gravescnd, they ly- 
ing sealed in the great cabin, whilst Mr. Winslow was 
busy about the aflxiirs of the ship, this sly merchant 
opens them, takes copies of them, and seals them up 
again, and not only seals the copies of them thus, To 
his friend and their adversary, but adds thereto in the 
margin many scurrilous and flouting annotations. In 
the evening the Governor returned, and they were 
something blank at it ; but after some weeks, when 
they heard nothing, were then as brisk as ever, think- 
ing nothing had been known, but all was gone cur- 
rent, and that the Governor went out but to despatch 
his own letters. 

The reason why the Governor and the rest con- 
cealed these things, was to let things ripen, that they 
might the better discover their intents, and see who 
were their adherents ; because, amongst the rest, 
they found a letter of one of their confederates, in 
which was written, that Mr. Oldham and Mr. Lyford 
intended a reformation in church and commonwealth, 
and as soon as the ship was gone they intended to 
join together and have the sacrament ; a few of Old- 
ham's letters were found in the aforesaid search, be- 
ing so bad a scribe as his hand was scarce legible, yet 
he was as deep in the mischief as the other ; and 
thinking they were now strong euough, they began 
to pick quarrels at every thing. Oldham being called 
to watch (according to urder) and refused to come, 
fell out with the captain, called him rascal and beg- 
garly rascal, and resisted him, and drew his knife at 
him, though he offered him no wrong, nor gave him 
any ill terms, but with all fairness required him to do 



NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORMi.. 73 

his duty ; the Governor hearing the tumult, sent to 
quiet it ; but he ranted with great lurj, and called 
them all traitors ; but being committed to prison, af- 
ter a while he came to himself, and with some slight 
punishment was let go upon his behaviour for further 
censure : But to cut things short, at length it grew 
to this issue, that Ljford with his accomplices, with- 
out either speaking one word either to the Gover- 
nor, church or elder, withdrew themselves, and set 
up a public meeting apart on the Lords day, with 
sundry such insolent carriages too long here to relate, 
beginning more publicly to act that which they had 
been long plotting. 

It was now thought high time to prevent further 
mischief, to call them to account ; so tlie Governor 
called a court, and summoned the whole company to- 
gether, and they charged Ljford and Oldham with 
such things as they were guilty of respecting the 
premises ; but they were stiff, and stood resolutely 
upon the denial of most things, and required proof ; 
they first alleged what was writ, compared with their 
practices here ; that it was evident they joined in 
plotting against them, and disturbed their peace in 
their civil and church state, wh.ich was most injurious, 
for both they and all the world knew they came hith- 
er to enjoy the liberty of their consciences, in the 
free use of God's ordinances, and for that end had 
ventured their lives, and passed through much hard- 
ship hitherto, and they and their friends had borne 
the charge of these beginnings, which was not small, 
and that he, viz. Lyford. for his part, was sent over 
on this charge, and both he and his great family was 
maintained on the same ; and for him to plot against 
them, and seek their ruin, was most unjust and per- 
fidious. 

But Lyford denied, and made strange of sundry 
things laid to his charge. Then his letters were pro- 
duced, at which he was struck mute. Oldham begaa 
to be furious, and to rage, because they had intercept- 
7 



74 new-england's memoriaX,- 

ed their letters, provoked the people to mutiny in 
such words as these ; My masters, where are }'our 
hearts ? Now shew your courage : You have often 
complained to me so and so, now is the time, if you 
will do any thing, I will stand by you, &,c. thinking 
that every one knowing his humour that had fooled 
and flattered him, and otherwise, or that in their dis- 
content uttered any thing unto him, would now side 
with him in open rebellion : But he was deceived, 
for not a man opened his mouth, all were silent. 

Then the Governor took pains in convicting Lyford 
of his hypocrisy and treachery, in abusing his friends, 
in taking copies of their letters in an under-hand 
way, and sending them abroad to their disgrace, &c. 
and produced them, and his own letters under his 
own hand, which he could not deny, and caused them 
to be read before all the people ; at which all his con- 
federates were blank, and had not a word to say. 
But after a while, he began to say, that sundry had 
made some complaint unto him, and informed him of 
divers things, which being there present, and the par- 
ticulars named to them, they denied. 

Then they dealt with him about his dissembling in 
the church, and that he professed to concur with them 
in all things, and what a large confession he had 
made at his admittance, and that he held not himself 
a minister, till he had a new calling, «fcc. and yet now 
he contested against them, and drew a company apart, 
and sequestered, himself, and would go about to ad- 
minister the sacraments by his former calling, with- 
out ever acquainting them with it. In conclusion he 
was fully convicted, and burst out into tears, and con- 
fessed, he feared he was a reprobate, his sins were so 
great that he doubted that God would not pardon them, 
he was unsavoury salt, &:c. and that he had so wrong- 
ed them, as he could never make them amends ; con- 
fessing all he had written against them was fale and 
naught, both for matter and manner : And all this he 
did with as much fulness as words and tears could ex- 
press. 



75 

After their trial and conviction, the court sentenced 
them to he expelled the plantation ; John Oldham 
presently/ to depart, though his wife and family had 
liberty to stay all winter, or longer, until he could 
make provision to remove them comfortably. Lyford 
had liberty to stay six months ; it was with some eye 
to his release, if he carried himself well in the mean 
time, and that his repentance proved sound. Lyford 
acknowledged his censure was far less than hedeserv- 
ed,-and afterwards he confessed his sin publicly in the 
church with tears, more largely than before. 1 shall 
here relate it as 1 find it penned by some who took it 
from his own mouth as himself uttered it. 

Acknowledging, that he had done very evil, and 
slanderously abused them; and thinking most of the 
people would take part with him, he thought to have 
carried all by violence and strung hand against them ; 
and that God might justly lay innocent hiood to his 
charge, for he knew not what hurt might have come 
by these his writings, and blessed God that they w^erc 
stayed ; and that he spared not to take knowledge 
from any of any evil that was spoken, but shut his 
eyes and ears against all the good ; and that if God 
should make him a vagabond in the earth, as was 
Cain, it was but just : And he confessed three things 
to be the causes of these his doings, pride, vain glory, 
and self love; amplifying these heads with many 
other expressions in the particulars of them, so as 
they began to conceive good thoughts of him, upon 
his repentance, and admitted him to teach amongst 
Ihem as before ; yea, sundry tender hearted persons 
amongst them were so taken with his signs of sorrow 
and repentance, as thej^ professed they would fall on 
their knees to have his censure remitted and releas- 
ed. But that which made them all stand amazed in 
the end (and may do all others who shall come to 
hear the same, for rarer precedent can scarce be 
named) was, that after two months time all his former 
confessions, convictions, and public acknowledgments, 



76 new-england's memorial. 

both in the presence of God and his church, and the 
whole company, with so many tears, and censures of 
himself, he should go again to justify what he had 
done; for secretly he wrote a letter to the adventur- 
ers in England, in which he justified all his former 
writings, save in some things which tended to their 
damage. [The copy of this letter is extant, but too 
large to be here inserted.] 

1625. 

At the time of their election court, John Oldham 
came again amongst them; and though it was a part 
of his censure, for his former mutiny, not to return 
without leave first obtained, yet he presumed, with- 
out leave at all, to come, being set on and hardened by 
the ill counsel of others; and not only so, but suffered 
his unruly passion to run beyond the bounds and limits 
of all reason and modesty, insomuch that some stran- 
gers that were with him were ashamed of his outrage 
and rebuked him : But all reproofs were but oil to 
the fire, and made the flame of his choler the greater. 
He called them all to naught in his fury, an hundred 
rebels and traitors ; but in conclusion, they commit- 
ted him until he was tamer, and then appointed a 
guard of musketeers, which he was to pass through, 
and every one was ordered to give him a blow on his 
hinder parts, witli tlie butt-end of his musket, and 
then he was conveyed to the water-side, where a boat 
was ready to carry him away, with this farewell, go 
and mend your manners. 

After the removal of his family he fell into some 
straits, and about a year after he intended a voyage to 
Virginia: And so it pleased God that himself & sun- 
dry passengers being in the barque, they were in great 
danger, so as they despaired of life, and fell to prayer, 
and to examination of their hearts and consciences, 
and confessed such sins as most burthened them, and 
the said John Oldham did make a free and large con- 
fession of the wrongs he had done to the church and 



NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 77 

people at Plymouth, in many particulars ;& that as he 
had sought their ruin, so God had now met with him, 
and might destroy him; yea, he feared that they all 
fared the worse for his sake : He prajed God to for- 
give him, and made vows, that if the Lord spared his 
life, he would become otherwise. This was reported 
by some of good credit, not long since living in the 
Massachusetts Bay, that were themselves partners in 
the same danger, which was on the shoals of Cape 
Cod. 

It pleased God to spare their lives, but they lost 
their voyage; and sometime afterwards the said Mr. 
John Oldham carried himself fairly towards them, and 
acknowledged the hand of God (o be with them, and 
seemed to have an honorable respect of them, and so 
far made his peace with them, as he had liberty to go 
and come at his pleasure, and in some time after went 
on trading in a small vessel amongst the Indians, and 
being weakly manned, upon some quarrel betwixt 
them, they slew him with a hatchet ; this death being 
one ground of the Pequot war, of which afterwards 
in its proper place. [He was a man of parts, but high 
spirited, and extremely passionate, which marred all 
in point of right improvement of them.] 

The time being expired that Mr. John Lyford's 
censure was to take place, he was so far from answer- 
ing their hopes by amendment, as he had doubled his 
evil, as before mentioned. But first behold the hand 
of God concerniTig him, wherein that of the Psalmist 
is verified. Psalm vii. 15, He bath made a pit, and 
digged it, and is fallen into the pit that he made. He 
thought to bring shame and disgrace upon them, but 
instead of that opens his own to all the world ; for his 
wife, who was a prudent, sober woman, taking notice 
of his false and deceitful carriage about the premises, 
in grief of mind expressed her fears, that God would 
bring upon him and family, some sad judgment for 
these and other his wi( ked practices, and related that 
he had a bastard, by another woman, before marriage 
7* 



73 kew-engLx\nd's memorial. 

with her, which he denied to her with an oath, but it 
afterwards appeared to be so : And another miscar- 
riage, of the like nature, more odiously circumstanced, 
was also discovered, for which he was forced to leave 
Ireland, and so came New-England to be troubled 
with him. Being banished hence, he went first to 
Nantucket, then to Salem, and after to Virginia, where 
shortly after he died. 

I have been too tedious in my relating the plots of 
these Machiavilians : But, to conclude, the reader may 
take notice, that God observed and brought to naught 
their v/icked devices, was a defence to the innocent, 
and caught them in the snares they privily laid for 
them, punishing one sin by another, until he had ac- 
complished the freedom of his Israel, by the over- 
throw of his and their enemies ; for which his mercy, 
let his holy name be praised forevermore. 

Tliis storm was blown over, yet sundry sad effects 
followed, for the company of the merchant adventur- 
ers break in pieces hereupon, and the greatest part 
wholly deserted the colony, but yet God took care of 
it ; for although sundry of them fell off and adventur- 
ed no more towards the support thereof, but rather 
proved manifest adversaries thereunto, than other- 
wise ; and the rest, partly because they were grown 
(some of them) low in their estates, and there being 
small hopes of returns to their expectations ; although 
courteous in words and well-wishes, yet afforded little 
or no help after this, so that the plantation was fain 
to stand on their own legs, being indeed marvellously 
supported by the Lord, for it pleased him so to bless 
their endeavors, as that they raised great crops of In- 
dian corn (about this time) so as they had enough, and 
to spare, and began to have thoughts of improving 
part of it in a way of trading witli the Indians, and 
having only two shallops, and no bigger vessels, they 
laid a deck on one of them in the midships, to pre- 
serve the corn dry from weather, and so sent her, la- 
den with corn^j to a place called Kennebeck, about 



i^ew-england's memorial. 79 

fifty leagues off to the eastward ; and notwithstand- 
ing they were strangers to the way,aiid place of trade, 
and to the people, and having no seamen, and that 
season being the latter end of the year and drawing 
on to winter ; yet it pleased God to preserve them, 
and so to bless their endeavours, as that they returned 
in safety, and with good success, it being the first en- 
terprise they achieved in this kind (at least) so far, 
and it proved an inlet to a farther trade, which was 
greatly beneficial to them afterwards. 

And here I may not omit the observable dispensa- 
tion of God's providence, respecting his dealing with 
the adventurers aforementioned, in reference unto 
two ships they sent into these parts about that time, 
on a fishing voyage only upon their account, having 
left the plantation to shift for themselves ; one of these 
ships was a small one, viz. the James, forenamed, 
which was well laden with Cor-fish, and in her* a 
great quantity likewise of beaver and other furs, which 
was sent by the plantation to the adventurers, and 
returned for England ; the other ship was also laden 
■with good dry-fish, and she also returned with her: 
Being thus well freighted, they went together loving- 
ly and joyfully away, the greater ship towed the less- 
er at her stern all the way over-bound, and had such 
fair weather as they never cast her off till they were 
shot deep into the English channel, and almost within 
sight of Plymouth, & yet there she was unhappily tak- 
en by a Turkish man of war, & carried into Sally,where 
the master and men were made slaves ; and many of 
the beaver skins were sold at four pence a piece. 
Thus were all their hopes dashed in this respect, and 
the joyful news they went to carry home turned into 
heavy tidings. Some thought this an hand of God for 
some unkindness shewed to the plantation, by exaction 
upon them in reference to a parcel of ^oods they a lit- 
tle before had sent to them on extreme rates : But 
God's judgments are unsearchable, neither ought we 

* 500 weig-ht of beaver, with other furs, a g-ood quantity. 



30 new-england's memorial. 

to be too bold therewith. But, however, it shev,^s us 
the uncertainty of all human things, and what little 
cause there is in joying in them, or trusting to them. 
In the bigger of these ships Capt. Miles Standish 
went ov{ r as agent in the behalf of the plantation, in 
reference unto some particulars yet depending be- 
twixt them and the adventurers ; as also to the hon- 
orable council of New-England : And notwithstand- 
ing some ditficulty he met with in his occasions by 
reason of the pestilence which was then so hot in 
the city of London, yet he accomplished his business 
so as he left things in a fair way for future composi- 
tion, betwixt the said merchant-adventurers and the 
plantation ; and he spake also with some of the hon- 
orable couiicii, afore-named, who promised all help- 
fuhiess to the plantation, that lay in them. About 
this time it pleased the Lord likewise to give peace, 
health, and good succession their endeavours, his holy 
name be praised. 

1626. 

About the beginning of April, they heard of Capt. 
Standish's arrival, and sent a boat to fetch him home ; 
welcome he was, but the news he brought was sad in 
many regards, not only in regard to the foremention- 
ed losses which their friends had, and some of them 
dead of the plague, but also that *Mr. John Robinson, 
tlieir pastor, was dead, which strut k them with much 
sorrow and sadness, as they had great cause ; his and 
their adversaries had been long and continually plot- 
ting how they might hinder his coming into New- 
England, but now the Lord had appointed him to a 
greater journey, at less charge to a better place. 

But befon) I pass things concerning this worthy 
servant of Christ, Mr. John Robinson, I shall here 
insert the honorable testimony that Mr. William 
Bradford, senior, hath left beh nd him, conc( rning 
him, being greatly acquainted with his worth and ex* 
cellency. 

* Mr. John Robinson's death; 



81 

Saith he, Such was the mutual love and reciprocal 
respect that this worthy man had to his flock, and 
his flock to him, that it might be said of them, as it 
was once said of that famous Emperor Marcus Aure- 
lius, and the people of Rome, that it v* as hard to judge 
whether he delighted more in having such a people, 
or they in haviiig such a pastor. But to return. 

Capt. Standish likewise brought the sad news of 
the * death of Mr. Robert Cushman, their ancient 
friend whom the Lord took away also this 3'ear (about 
the same time) who was as their right liand wilh their 
friends the adventurers, and for divers years had done 
and agitated all their business with them, to their 
great advantage, of whom occasionally there hath been 
honorable mention former!}' made in this book. 

About this time they received divers letters from 
their friends at Leyden, in Holland, full oi sad lam.en- 
tation for their heavy loss by the death of their pastor, 
Mr. Robinson, above named ; and although their wills 
were good to come over to their biethren in New 
England, yet they saw no probability of means how it 
might be eflected, but concluded (as it were) that all 
their hopes were cut oft^, and many being aged began 
to drop away by death. All which things before re- 
lated, bein^ well weighed and laid together, it could 
not but strike them with great perplexity, and to look 
humanely on the state of things as they presented 
themselves at thi^ time, it is a marvel it did not wholly 
discourage and ^ink them, but they gathered up their 
spirits, and the Lord so helped them (whose work 
they had in hand) as now, when they were very low, 
they began to rise again ; and being stripped (in a 
manner) of all human helps and hopes, he brought 
things about othf^rwise in his divine providence, so as 
they were not only upheld and sustained but their 
proceedings both honored and imitated by others, as 
by the sequel will appear. 

* The death of Mr. Robert CushmaD. 



8^ new-england's memorial* 

1627. 

This year they sent Mr. Isaac Allerton for England, 
and gave him orders to make a connposition with the 
adventurers, in reference unlo some particulars be- 
twixt the plantation and them, which Capt. Standish 
had begun, as is before hinted, and at the ordinary 
season of the year (for the expectation of ships) he 
returned with some success in the business he was em- 
ployed in. 

Likewise this year they began to make some dis- 
tribution of lands, having had hitherto to but to every 
person one acre allowed him as to propriety, besides 
their homesteads, or garden plots ; the reason was 
that they might keep together, both for more safety 
and defence, and the better improvement of the gen- 
eral employments : Which condition of theirs brings 
to mind that which may be read in Pliny, of the Ro- 
mans first beginning in Romulus's time, how every 
man contented himself with two acres of land, & had 
no more assigned them : And chap, 3. it was thought 
a great reward to receive at the hands of the people 
of Rome a pint of corn ; and long after, the greatest 
present given to a Captain that had got a victory 
over their enemies, was as much ground as he could 
till in one day ; and he was not accounted a good, but 
a dangerous man, that would not content himself with 
seven acres of land ; as also how they did pound their 
corn in moitars, as these people were forced to do 
many years before the}^ could get a mill. 

Notwithstanding as aforesaid, so small a portion of 
land served them at the first, yet afterwards, for di- 
vers reasons moving thereunto, they were necessita- 
ted to lay out some larger proportions to each per- 
son ; yet resolving to keep a mean in distribution of 
lands, as should not hinder their growth by others 
coming to them, and therefore accordingly allotted to 
every one in each family twenty acres to be laid out, 
five acres in breadth, by the water side, and four acres 
in length. 



new-england's memorial. 83 

I may not omit the inserting of a particular that 
fell out this year, in reference unto a ship with many 
passengers in her, and some considerable goods, which 
was bound for Virginia, who had lost themselves at 
sea, either by the insufficiency of the master, or his 
illness (for he was sick, and lame of the scurvy,) so as 
he could but lie in the cabin door and give direction, 
and (it should seem was badly assisted either with 
mate or mariners) or else the fear of and the unruli- 
ness of the passengers was such, as they made them 
steer a course between the southwest and northwest, 
that might fall in with some land, whatever it was 
they cared not, for they had been six weeks at sea 
and had no beer nor water,nor wood left, but had 
burnt up all their empty casks, only one of the com- 
pany had a hogshead of wine or two, which was also 
spent, so as they should be starved at sea, or consum- 
ed with diseases, which made them run this desperate 
course. But it pleased God, that although they came 
so near the shoals of Cape Cod, or else ran stumbling 
over them in the night, they knew not how, ihey 
came before a small harbour that lieth about the mid- 
dle of Mannamoiet bay, to the southward of Cape 
Cod, and with a small gale of wind, and about high 
water, touched upon a bar of sand that lieth before 
it, but had no hurt, the sea being smooth, so they laid 
out an anchor ; but towards evening the wind sprang 
up at sea, and was so rough as broke their cable, and 
beat them over the bar into the harbour, where they 
saved their lives and goods ; for although with beat- 
ing they had sprung a but end of a plank within the 
harbour close to a beach, and at low water got out 
their goods, and were not a little glad that they had 
saved their lives. But when they had refreshed 
themselves, not kitowing where the}^ were, nor what 
to do, were much troubled, but soon after some Ind- 
ians came towards them in canoes, which made them 
stand upon their guard, but when they heard some of 
them speak English, they were not a little revived ; 



84 new-england's memorial. 

especially when they heard them ask whether they 
were not the Governor of Plymouth's men, or friends, 
and that they would bring them to the English houses, 
or carry their letters ; and when they had feasted 
these Indians, and given them many gifts, they sent 
two men and a letter with them to the Governor of 
Plymouth, by which he had intelligence of their con- 
dition, and took order for their supply : They hoping 
by mending of their ship to recover her to go to sea 
again, and accordingly did mend her ; but afterwards 
having but bad mooring, was put on shore again, and 
suffered so much shipwreck as she never got oft'more, 
but all the company were forced to repair to Plym- 
outh, where they continued the best part of a year, 
being courteously entertained, and so were dispers- 
ed : The greatest part of them went to Virginia, and 
some remained in the country. The chief amongst 
them were Mr. Fells, Mr. Sibsey, and the master's 
name was Johnston, a Scotchman. 

This year the plantation of Plymouth received 
messengers from the Dutfh plantation, sent unto 
them from the Governor there, written both in Dutch 
and French. The sum of ihe letters fore mentioned 
were, to congratulate the English here, taking notice 
of much that might engage them to a friendly corres- 
pondency and good neiglibourhcod, as the propinqui- 
ty of their native country, their long continued 
friendship, &c. and desired to fall into a way o( some 
commerce and trade with them. [The Dutch had 
trading in those southern parts divers years before 
the English came, but they began no plantation until 
after the English came and were here seated.] 

To which the Governor and council of Plymouth 
returned answerable courteous acceptance of their 
loviuij propositions, respecling their good neighbour- 
hood in general, and particularly for commerce. And 
accordingly the Dutch not long after sent their sec- 
retary, Mr. Isaac do Rosier, with letters and goods, 
who laid the foundation ot a trade that continued be- 



^'EW'ENgLA^d^s memorial. 85 

twecn them many years after, to their mutual benefit. 
They also brought the English acquainted with the 
trading of Wampampeag, until then little known to 
us, nor esteemed by us, but was after of good valua- 
tion and profit. Although for the space of twenty 
years it was of great esteem among the natives in di- 
vers parts of the country, so as it made the Indians in 
these parts, rich, proud and powerful; yet until they 
had store of it, they could not attain English ammu- 
nition, but were fain to improve their own artillery 
of bows and arrows. But when as they learned to 
! make store of wampum, they furnished themselves 
with guns, powder and shot, which no laws can re- 
strain, by reason of the baseness of sundry unwortliy 
persons, both English, Dutch and French, which may 
turn to the ruin of many ; for hitherto the Indians of 
these parts had no pieces, nor other arms but their 
bows and arrrows and clubs, nor in many years after; 
neither durst they scarce handle a gun, though out of 
kelter it was a terror to them; but those Indians to 
the eastern parts.^ which had commerce with the 
French, got pieces of them, and they in the end 
made a common trade : And in time our English fish- 
ermen led with the like covetousness, followed their 
example for their own gain ; but upon complaint 
against them, it pleased the King's Majesty to prohib- 
it the same by a strict proclamation, commanding 
that no sort ofarms or ammiunition should by any^ of 
his subjects be traded with them. 

1628. 

This year died Mr. Richard Warren, who hath 
been mentioned before in this book, and was an use- 
ful instrument ; and during his life bore a deep share 
in the difficulties and troubles of the first settlement 
of the plantation of New-Plymouth. 

Whereas about three years before this time there 
j came over one Captain *Wollaston, a man of consid- 

*This g-entleman's name is here accasionaly usedjand aliliough 
8 



86 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL, 

erable parts, and with him three or four more of same 
eminencj^ who brought with them a great many ser- 
vants, with provisions and other requisites for to be- 
gin a plantation and pitched themselves in a place 
within the Massachusetts Bay, which they called af- 
terwards by their Captain's name, Mount WaJlaston : 
which place is since called by the name of Braintree. 
And amont^st others that came with him, there was 
one Mr. Thomas Morton, who should seem had some 
small adventure of his own or other men's amongst 
them, but had little respect, and was slighted by the 
meanest servants they kept. They having continu- 
ed some time in New-England, and not linding things 
to answer their expectation, nor profit to arise as they 
looked for, the said Captain Wollaston takes a great 
part of the servants, and transports them to Virginia, 
and disposes of them there, and writes bac k to one 
Mr. Rasdale, one of his chief partners, (and account- 
ed their merchant) to bring another part of them to 
Virginia likevv/ise, intending to put them off there, 
as he had done the rest; and he with consent of the 
said Rasdale, appointed one whose name was Filcher 
to be his lieutenant, and to govern the remainder of 
the plantation, until he or Rasdale should take fur- 
ther order thereabout. 

But the aforesaid Morton (having more craft than 
honesty) having been a pettyfogger at Furnivals-Inn ; 
he in the others absence watches an opportunity 
(commons being put hard among them) and got some 
strong drink, and other junkets, and made them a 
feast.and after they were merry, he began to tell 
them he would give them good counsel ; you see (said 
he) that many of your fellows are carried to Virginia, 
and if you stay still until Rasdale's return, you will 
also be carried away and sold for slaves with the 
rest; therefore 1 would advise you to thrust out lieu- 
he came over in the year 1625, yet these passag-es in reference 
to Morton, fell out about this year, and therefore referred to 
this place. 



i 



>^ew-england's memorial. 8 / 

tenant Filcher, and I having a part in the plantation, 
will receive you as my partners, and consociatcs, so 
may you be free from service and we will converse, 
plant, trade and live together as equals (or to the like 
effect.) This council was easily followed, so they 
took opportunity and thrust lieutenant Filcher out 
of doors, and would not suffer him to come any more 
amongst them, but forced him to seek bread to ea<, 
and other necessaries amongst his neighbours, till he 
could get a passage for England. (See the sad effects 
of the want of good government.) 

After this they fell to great licentiousness of life, in 
all profaneness, and the said Morion became lord of 
misrule, and maintained (as it were) a school of Atlie- 
ism, and after they had got some goods into their 
hands, and got much by trading with the Indians, 
they spent it as vainly in quaff.ng and drinking both 
wine and strong liquors in great excess (as some liave 
reported) ten pounds worth in a morning, setting up 
a may-pole, drinking and dancing about it, and frisk- 
ing about it like so many fairies, or furies rather, yea 
and worse practices, as if they had anew revived, and 
celebrated the feast of the Romans' goddess Flora, or 
the beastly practices of the mad Bacchanalians. The 
said Morton likewise, to shew his poetry, composed 
sundry rhymes and verses, some tending to lascivious- 
ness, and others to the detraction and scandal of 
some persons' names, which he affixed to his idle and 
idol may-pole ; they changed also the name of their 
place, and instead of calling it Mount Wollaston, they 
called it the i^Jerr^ Mount, as if this jollity would 
have lasted always. But this continued not long, for 
shortly after that worthy gentleman, ]\Ir. John Endi^ 
cot, who brought over a patent under the broad seal 
of England, for the government of the Massachusetts, 
visiting these parts, caused that may-pole to be cut 
down, and rebuked them for their profaneness, and 
admonished them to look to it that they walked bet- 
ter; so the name was again changed, and called 
Mount Dagon. 



88 new-england's memorial. 

Now to maintain this riotous prodigality and pro- 
fuse expense, the said Morton thinking himself law- 
less, and hearing what gain the fishermen made of 
trading off pieces, powder and shot; he, as head of 
this consortship, began the practice of the same in 
these parts: And first he taught the Indians how to 
use them, to charge and discharge them, and what 
proportion of powder to give the piece, according to 
the size and bigness of the same, and what shot to use 
for fowl and what what for deer: And having instruc- 
ted them, he employed some of them to hunt and 
fowl for him : So as they became somewhat more ac- 
tive in this employment than any of the English, by 
reason of their swiftness of foot, and nimbleness of 
body, being also quick sighted and by continual exer- 
cise, well knowing the haunt of all sorts of game ; so 
as when they saw the execution a piece would do, 
and the benefit that might come by the same, they 
became very eager after them, and would not stick 
to give any price they could attain to for them ; ac- 
counting their bows and arrows but baubles in com- 
parison of them. 

And here we may take occasion to bewail the mis- 
chief which came by this wicked man, and others 
like unto him; in that, notwithstanding all laws for 
the restraint of selling ammunition to the natives, 
that so far base covetousness prevailed, and doth still 
prevail, as that the savages become amply furnished 
with guns, powder, shot, rapiers, pistols, and also 
well skilled in repairing of defective arms; yea some 
have not spared to tell them how gun-powder is 
made, and all the materials in it, and that they are to 
be had in their own land, and would (no doubt, in 
case they could attain to making of saltpetre) teach 
them to make powder: And whal: mischief may fall 
out to the English in those parts thereby, let this 
pestilent fellow Morton, aforenamed, bear a greater 
part of the blame and guilt of it to future generations. 
But lest I should hold the reader too long in the rela- 



new-england's memorial. 89 

tion of the particulais of his vile actings ; when as the 
English that then lived up and down about the Mas- 
sachusetts, and in other places, perceiving the sad 
consequences of his trading, so as the Indians became 
furnished with the English arms and ammunition, and 
expert in the improving of them, and fearing they 
should, at one time or another, get a blow thereby ; 
also taking notice that if he were let alone in his way, 
they should keep no servants for him, because he 
would entertain any, how vile soever. Sundry of the 
chief of the straggling plantations met together, and 
agreed, by mutual consent, to send to Plymouth, who 
were then of more strength to join with them, to sup- 
press this mischief; wh.o considering the particulars, 
proposed to them to join together to take some speedy 
course to pn^vent (if it might be) the evil that was 
accruing towards them; and resolved (irst to admon- 
ish him of his wickedness respecting the premises, 
laying before him the injury he did to their common 
safety, and that his acting concerning the same was 
against the King's proclamation: But he insolently 
persisted on in his way, and said the King was dead, 
and his displeasure with him, and threatened them 
that if they came to molest him, thev should look to 
themselves; so that they saw there was no way but 
to take him by force : So they resolved to proceed 
in such a way, and obtained of thegoveinor of Ply- 
mouth, to send Capt. Slandish, and some other aid 
with him, to take the said Rlorton by force, the which 
accordingly was done; but they found him to stand 
stifly on his defence, having made fast his doors, arm- 
ed his consorts, set powder and shot ready upon the 
table; scoffed and scorned at them, and lie and his 
accomplices being filled with strong drink, were des- 
perate in their way ; but he himself coming out of 
doors to make a shot at Capt. Standish, he stepping 
to him, put by his piece and took him, and so little 
hurt was done ; and so he was brought prisoner to 
Plymouth, and continued in durance till an opportu- 
8* 



90 NE\y-ENG land's memorial. 

nity of sending bim for England, which was done at 
their common charge, and letters also with Iiim, to 
the honorable council for INew-Engiand, and returned 
again into the country in some short time, with less 
punishment than his demerits deserved, as was ap- 
prehended. 

'I'he year following he was again apprehended, and 
sent for England, where he lay a considerable time in 
Exeter gaol : For besides his miscarriage here in 
New Ens^land, he was suspected of having murdered 
a man that had ventured monies with him when he 
first came into N'ew England ; and a warrant was 
sent over from the Lord Chief Justice to apprehend 
him; bj^ virtue thereof he was, by the governor of 
the Massachusetts sent into England, and for other of 
his misdemeanors amongst them in that government, 
they demolished his house, that it might no longer be 
a roost for such unclean birds. 

Notwithstanding he got free in England again, and 
wrote an infamous and scurrilous book against many 
godly and chief men of the country, full of lies and 
slanders, and full fraught with profane calumnies 
against their names and persons, and the ways of God. 
But to the intent I may not trouble the reader any 
more with the mentioning of him in this history : 
In fine, sundry years after he came again into the 
country, and was imprisoned at Boston, for the afore- 
said book and other things, but denied several things 
therein, affirming his book was adulterated. And 
soon after being grown old in wickedness, at last end- 
ed his life at Piscataqua. But 1 fear 1 have held the 
reader too long about so unworthy a person, but hope 
it may be useful to take notice how wickedness was 
beginning, and would have further proceeded, had it 
not been prevented timely. 

1629. 

This year sundry ships came out of England, and 
arrived at Neumkeak, (now called Salem) where Mr. 



NEW- England's memorial. 91 

John Endicot had chief command ; and by infection 
that gieW among the passengers, at sea, it spread also 
among them on shore, of which many died, some of 
the scurvy, and others of infectious fevers. Mr. En- 
dicot understanding that there was one at PJjmouth 
that had skill in such diseases, sent thither for him; 
at whose request he was sent unto them. And after- 
wards acquaintance & Christian love & corresponden- 
cy came on betwixt the said Governor and the said 
Endicot; which was furthered by congratulatory let- 
ters that passed betwixt each other; one whereof, be- 
cause it shews the beginning of their christian fellow- 
ship, I shall here insert. 

The copy of a letter from Mr. Endicot to Mr. Brad- 
ford as followeth: 
Right worshipful Sir, 

It is a thing not usual, that servants to one master, 
and of the same houseliold, should be strangers ; \ as- 
sure you I desire -it not : Nay, to speak more plainly, 
I cannot be so to you. God's people are all marked 
with one and the same mark, and have for the main 
one and the same heart, guided by one and the same 
spirit of truth ; and w^here this is, there can be no 
discord, nay here must needs be a sweet harmony; 
and the same request, with you, \ make unto the 
Lord, that we, as christian brethren, be united by an 
heavenly and unfeigned love, bending all our hearts 
and forces in furthering a work beyond our strength, 
with reverence and fear, fastening our eyes alwaj^s 
on him that is only able to di'-ect and prosper all our 
ways. I acknowledge myself much bound to you 
for your kind love and care in sending Mr. Fuller 
amongst us, and rejoice much that I am by him satis- 
fied touching your judgment of the outward, form of 
God's worship : It is, as far as I can gather, no other 
than is warranted by the evidence of truth, and the 
same which I have professed and maintained ever 
siTice the Lord in mercy revealed himself unto me. 



92 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 

being far from the common report that hath been 
spread of you, touching that particular: But God's 
children must not look for less here below ; and it is 
a great mercy of God (hat he sirengtheneth them to 
go through it. 1 shall not need, at this time, to en- 
large unto you, for (C»od willing) I purpose to see 
your face shortly; in the meam time I humbly take 
my leave of you, committing }ou to the Lord's bless- 
ing and protection, and rest. 

Your assured loving friend, 

JOHN ENDICOT. 
Jsfeumkeak^ May 11, 1629. 

In the three ships that came over this year to Sa- 
lem, in the month of June, besides many godly chris- 
tians, tliere came over three ministers, two of them 
JVJr. Skelton and Mr. Higginson, were nonconform- 
ists, who having suflcsed much in tiieir native land, 
upon that account, they came over wilh a professed 
intention of practising church reformation; the third 
minister, Mr. Bright, was a conformist, who, not 
asjreoing in judsjment with the olher two, removed to 
Charlestown, wheie also not agreeing with those god- 
ly christians there, that were for reformation, after 
one year's stay in the country, he returned for Eng- 
land : But Mr. Higginson and Mr. Skelton, in pursu- 
ance of the ends of their coming over into this wil- 
derness, acquainted the governor Mr. Endicot, and 
the rest of the godly people whom the\' found inhab- 
itants of the place, and the chief of the passengers 
that came over with them, with their professed inten- 
tions, and consulted with th.em about settling a re- 
formed congregation ; from whom they found a gen- 
eral and hearty concurrence, so that, at"ter some con- 
ference together about this matter, they pitched upon 
the 6th of Auijust for their entering into a solemn 
covenant with God, and one another, and also for the 
ordaining of their ministers; of which they irave no- 
tice to the church of Plymouth / (that being the on- 



NEW-ENGLAND's MEJVIORIAL. 93 

\y church that was in the coiintr}^ before them ;) the 
people made choice of Mr. Siiclton for their pastor, 
and Mr. Higginson for jtheir teacher. And accord- 
ingly it was desired of Mr. Higginson to draw up a 
confession of faith and covenant in scripture language ; 
which being done, was agreed upon. And because 
they foresaw that this wilderness might be looked 
upon as a place of liberty, and therefore might in 
time be troubled with erroneous spirits, therefore 
they did put in one article into the confession of 
faith, on purpose about the duty and power of the 
magistrate in matters of religion. Thirty copies of 
the aforesaid confession of faith and covenant being 
written out for the use of thirty persons who were 
to begin the work. When the 6th of August came, 
it was kept as a day of fasting and prayer, in which, 
after the sermons and prayers of the two ministers, 
in the end of the day, the aforesaid confession of 
faith and covenant being solemnly read, theforenam- 
ed persons did solemnly profess their consent there- 
unto ; and then proceeded to the ordaining of Mr. 
Skelton pastor, and Mr. Higginson teacher of the 
church there. Mr. Bradford, the Governor of Ply- 
mouth, and some others with him, coming by sea, 
were hindered by cross winds, that they could not be 
there at the beginning of the day, but they came in- 
to the assembly afterward, and gave them the right 
hand of fellowship, wishing all prosperity, and a bless- 
ed success unto such good beginnings. After which, 
at several times, mmj others joined to the church in 
the same way. The confession of faith and covenant 
forenamed, was acknowledged only as a direction, 
pointing unto that faith arid covenant contained in 
the holy scripture, and therefore no man was confin- 
ed unto that form of words, but only to the sub- 
stance, end and scope of the matter contained there- 
in. And for the circumstantial manner of joining to 
the church, it was ordered according to the wisdom 
and faithfulness of the elders, together with the liber- 



94 new-england's memorial. 

Hence it was, that some were admitted by express' 
ing their consent to that written confession of faith 
and covenant ; others did answer to questions about 
the principles of religion that were publicly pro- 
pounded to them; some did present their confession 
in writing, which was read for them ; and some that 
were able and willinir did make their confession in 
their own words and way: A due respect was also 
had unto the conversations of men, viz. that they 
were without scandal. But some of the passengers 
that came over at the same time, observing that the 
ministers did not at all use the book of common pray- 
er, and that they did administer baptism and the 
Lord's supper without the ceremonies, and that they 
professed also to use discipline in the congregation 
against scandalous persons, by a personal application 
of the word of God, as the case might require; and 
that some that were scandalous \vere denied admiss- 
ion into the church, they began to raise some trouble : 
Of these Mr. Samuel Brown and his brother were the 
chief, the one being a lawyer, the other a merchant, 
both of them amongst the number of the first paten- 
tees, men of estates, and men of parts and port in the 
place. The&e two brothers gathered a company to- 
gether in a place distinct from the public assembly, 
and there sundry times the book of common praj^er 
was read unto such as resorted thither. The Govern- 
or, Mr. Endicot, taking notice of the disturbance that 
began to grow amongst the people by this means, he 
convented the two brothers before him. They ac- 
cused the ministers as departing from the orders of 
the church of England, that they were separatists, 
and would be anabaptists, &lc, but for themselves, 
they would hold to the orders of the church of Eng- 
land. The ministers answered for themselves : They 
were neither separatists nor anabaptists, they did not 
separate from the church of England, nor from the 
ordinances of God there, but only from the corrup- 
tions and disorders there ; and that they came away 



KEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAL. 95 

fiom the common prayer and ceremonies, and had 
suiiered much for liieir non-conformity in their na- 
tive land, and therefore being in a place where they 
might have their hberty ; they neither could nor 
would use them, because ihey judged the imposition 
of these things to be sinful corruptions in the woiship 
of God. The Governor and council, and the general- 
ity of the people, did well approve of the ministers' 
answer : And therefore finding those two brothers to 
be of high spirits, and their speeches and practices 
tending to mutiny and faction, the Governor told 
thrm, That New-Kngland was no place for such as 
they; and therefore he sent them both back for Eng- 
land, at the return of the ships the same year : And 
though thej^ breathed out threatenings both against 
the Governor and ministers there, yet the Lord so 
disposed of all, that there was no further inconven- 
ience followed upon it. 

The two ministers there being seriously studious 
of reformation, they considered of ihe state of their 
ciiildren, together with their parents ; concerning 
which, letters did pass between Mr. Higginson, and 
Mr. Brewster, the reverend elder of the church of 
Plymouth, and they did agree in their judgments, 
viz. concerning the church membership of the chil- 
dren with tlieir parents, and that baptism was a seal 
of their membership, only when they were adult, 
they being not scandalous, they were to be examined 
by the church officers, and upon their approbation of 
their fitness, and upon the children's public and per- 
sonally owning of the covenant, they were to be re- 
ceived unto the Lord's supper. Accordingly Mr. 
Higginson's eldest son, being about fifteen years of 
age, was owned to have been received a member, to- 
gether with his parents, and being; privately examin- 
ed by the pastor, Mr. Skelton, about his knowledge 
in the principles of religion, he did present him be- 
fore the church when the Lord's supper was to be ad- 
ministered, and the child then publicly and personally 



96 new-england's memorial. 

owning the covenant of the God of his father, he was 
admitted unto the Lord's sup[)er ; it being then pro- 
fessedly owned, according to 1 Cor. vii. 14, that the 
children of the churc.liare holy unto the Lord as well 
as their parents, accordingly the parents owning and 
retaining the baptism, wliich they themselves receiv- 
ed in tlieir infaticy, in their native land, as they had 
any children born, baptism was administered unto 
them, viz. to the children of such as were members of 
that particular church. 

Mr. Higginson lived but one year after the settling 
of the church there, departed this life about the same 
time the next 3^ear, in the month of August, 1630. 
Mr. Skelton lived until the year 1634, when be also 
quietly slept in the Lord, and were both buried at 
Salem. As it is an honor to be in Christ before oth- 
ers, as in Rom. xvi. so also to be first in the Lord's 
work, and to be faithful in it, as these two holy men 
were ; Who made such a beginning in church refor- 
mation, as was afterwards followed by many others. 
In the year 1634, Mr. Roger Williams removed 
from Plymouth to Salem. He had lived about three 
years at Plymouth, where he was well accepted as an 
assistant in the ministry to Mr, Ralph Smith, then 
pastor of the church there, but by degrees venting 
of divers of his own sinj::ular opinions, and seeking to 
inpose them upon others, he not finding such a con- 
currence as he expected, he desired his dismission to 
the church of Salem, which though some were unwil- 
ling to, 3^et through the prudent counsel of Mr. Brews- 
ter (th€ ruling elder there) fearing that his continu- 
ance amongst them might cause divisions, and there 
being many able men in the bay, they would better 
deal with him that) themselves could, and foreseeing 
(what he professed he feared concerning Mr. Williams, 
which afterwards came to pass) that he would run the 
same course of rigid separation and anabaptistry, 
which Mr. John Smith the sebaptist at Amsterdam 
had done ; the church of Plymouth consented to his 



f^EW-ENGLAND's MEMORIAL. 9T 

dismission, and such as did adhere to him were also 
dismissed, and removed with him, or not long after him 
to Salem. He came to Salem in the time of Mr.. 
Skelton's weakness, wlio lived not long after iMr. Wil- 
liams was come, whereupon after some time, the 
church there called him to office ; but he having in 
one year's time filled that place with principles of 
rigid separation, and tending to anabaptistry, the 
prudent magistrates of the Massachusetts jurisdiction 
sent to the church of Salem, desiring them to forbear 
calling him to office, which they hearkening to, was a 
cause of much disturbance ; for Mr. Williams had be- 
gun, and then being in office, he proceeded more vig- 
orously to vent many dangerous opinions, as amonsjst 
many others these were some : That it is not lawful 
for an unregenerate man to pray, nor to take an oath^ 
a^nd in special, not the oath of fidelity to the civil gov- 
ernment ; nor was it lawful for a godly man to have 
communion either in family prayer, or in an oath 
with such as they judged uiiregenerate : And there- 
fore he himself refused the oath of fidelity, and taught 
others so to do also, that it was not lawful so much as 
to hear the godlj^ ministers of England, when any oc- 
casionally went thither, and therefore he admonished 
any church members that had done so, as for heinous 
sin ; also he spake dangerous words against the 
patent, which was the foundation of the government 
of the Massachusetts colony; also he affirmed, that 
the magistrates had nothing to do in matters of the 
first table, but only the second ; and that there should 
be a general and unlimited toleration of all religions, 
and for any man to be punished for any matters of 
his conscience, was persecution. 

And further he procured the church of Salem's con- 
sent unto letters of admonition, which were written 
and sent by him in their name, to the churches at 
Boston, Charlestown, Newtown, (now Cambridge) 
&:c. accusing the magistrates, that were members of 
the respective churches, of sundry heinous offences 
i 9 



98 NEW-ENGLAND°S MEMORIAL, 

which he laid unto their charge ; and though diver* 
did acknowledge their error and gave satisfaction, yet 
Mr. Williams himself, notwithstanding all the pains 
that was taken with him by Mr. Cotton, V:r, 
Hooker, and many others, to bring him to a sight of 
his errors and miscarriages, and notwithstanding all 
the court's gentle proceedings with him, he not only 
persisted, but grew more violent in his way, insomuch 
as he staying at home in hif> own house, sent a letter 
which was delivered and read in the public church 
assembly, the scope of which was to give them no- 
tice. That if the church of Salem would not separate 
not only from the churches of Old England, but the 
churches of New England too, he would separate from 
them. The more prudent and sober part of the 
church being amazed at his way, could not yield unto 
him : Whereupon he never came to the church as- 
sembly more, professing separation from them asanti- 
christian, and not only so, but he withdrew all private i 
religious communication from any that would hold ] 
communion with the church there, insomuch as be 
would not pray nor give thanks at meals with his own 
wife nor any of his family, because they went to the 
church assemblies ; divers of ihe weaker sort of the 
ehurch members, that had been thorougldy leavened 
with his opinions, of which number were divers wo-. . 
men that were zealous in their way, did by degrees I 
fall off to him, insomuch as he kept a meeting in his 
own house, unto which a numerous company did re- 
sort, both on the sabbath day and at other times, in 
way of separation from, and opposition to the church 
assembly there ; which the prudent magistrates un- 
derstanding, and seeing things grow more and more , 
towards a general division and disturbance, after all 
other means used in vain, they passed a sentence of 
banishment against him out tf the Massachusetts Col- 
ony, as against a disturber of the peace, both of the 
church and commonwealth. i 

After which Mr. Williams sat down in a place call- ^ 



NEW-EK'GtAND'S MEMORIAL. 99 

ed Providence, out of the Massachusetts jiiiisdiction, 
and was followed by many of the members of the 
church at Salem, who did zealously adhere to him, 
and who cried out o( the persecution that was against 
him ; same others also resorted to him from other 
parts. Thej^ had not been long there together, but 
from rigid separation they fell to anabaptistry, re- 
nouncing the baptism which they had received in 
their infancy, and taking up another baptism, and so 
began another church in that way; but J\1r. Williams 
stopped not there long, for after some time he told 
the people that followed him, and joined with him 
in a new baptism, that he was out of the way himself, 
and had misled them, for he did not find that there 
was any upon earth that could administer baptism, and 
therefore their last baptism was a nullity, as well as 
their first ; and therefore they must lay down all, and 
wait for the coming of new apostles ; and so they dis- 
solved themselves and tuined to Seekers, keeping that 
one principle, that eve«y one should have liberty to 
worship God according to the light of their own con- 
sciences ; but otherwise not owning any churches or 
ordinances of God any where upon earth. 

Thus much was thought meet to be inserted here 
concerning the great and lamentable apostacy of Mr. 
Williams, that it may be a warning to all others 
to take heed of a gradual declining from, and forsak- 
ing the churches of Christ, and ordinances of God in 
them, lest they be left of God to run such a course as 
he hath done : Wherefore let him that thinks he 
stands, take heed lest he fail, 1 Cor. x. 12. As also 
to be a motive to the saints to remember him unto 
God in their fervent pra3^ers for his return, he having 
been sometimes an able dispenser of the w^ord of God, 
and (in several respects) of an exemplary conversation. 

And yet that there may be a standing evidence of 
the care that was had in those times to prevent the 
growth of errors, and of the exercises of the commun- 
ion of churches for that end, it is thought meet fur- 



100 new-England's MEMOinA"U 

Iher to insert this passage : That before the putting 
forth of tiie civil power of the magistrate for the re- 
moving of Mr. VVilhanns from Salem, and besides other 
means also used, there was a public admonition sent 
in writing from the church of Boston to the chorch 
of Salem, for the reducing of Mr. Williams, and the 
erring part of the church* The title of the writing 
was, 

Errors in doctrine mentioned hy some of the brethren of 
the church of Salem ^ tending to the disturbance of relig- 
ion and peace in family^ churchy and commonwealth, viz, 

1. That it is not lawful to call upon an unregene- 
raie man to pray for himself. 

2. It is not lawful for a regenerate man to pray with 
his carnal family. 

3. It is not lawful for magistrates to take an oath of 
fidelity from unregenerate men. 

4. It is not lawful for magistrates to take an oath 
of fidelity from the body of their subjects, though re- 
generate and members of churches. 

5. It is not lawful for magistrates to punish the 
breaches of the first table, unless thereby the civil 
peace of the commonwealth be disturbed. 

Whence also it follows, and is confessed, 
That a church wholly declining in arianism, papism, 
familism or other heresies, being admonished, and 
convinced thereof by other < hurches, and not reform- 
ing, may not be reformed by the civil magistrate, in 
a way of civil justice, unless it break the civil peace. 
These errors were solidly confuted, and the contra- 
ry truths asserted by the word of God, in that writing 
which was subscribed by 

John Cotton, teacher of the church of Boston. 

Thomas Leverett, I ^^'^^'' "^ "''^ ^=""^ =''"'""•'• 
Mr. Wilson, the pastor of the church, being at that 
time absent upon a voyage to England. 



\ 



new-england's memorial. 101 

1630. 

This 3^ear it pleased God, of his ricli grace, to trans- 
port over into the bay of the Massachusetts divers 
honorable personages, and many worthy christians, 
whereby the Lord bejjjan in a manifest manner and 
way to make known the great tlioughts which he had 
of i>ianting the gospel in this remote and barbarous 
wilderness, and honoring his own way of instituted 
worship, causing sucli and so many to adhere there- 
unto, and fall upon the practice thereof: Among the 
rest, a chief one amongst tliem was that famous pat- 
tern of piety and jijstice, Mr. John Winthrop, the 
first Governor of the jurisdiction, accompanied with 
divers other precious sons of bion, which might be 
compared to the most fine gold. Amongst whom also 
I might name that reverend and worthy man, Mr. 
John Wilson, eminent for love and zeal ; he likewise 
came over this year, and bare a great share ot the dif- 
ficulties of these new beginnings with great cheerful- 
ness and alacrity of spirit: They came over with a 
fleet often ships, three of them arriving first at Sa- 
lem, in which several of the chiefest of them came, 
who repaired sundry of them in some short time into 
the bay of the Massachusetts ; the other seven ships 
arrived at Charlestown, where it pleased the Lord to 
exercise them with much sickness, and being desti- 
tute of housing and shelter, and lying up ar.d down 
in booths, some of them languished and died : Yea, it 
pleased God to take awaj' amongst the rest that bless- 
ed servant of Christ, Mr. Isaac Johnson, with his la- 
dy, soon after their arrival, with sundry other precious 
saints. 

This sickness being heavy upon them, caused the 
principal of them to propose to the rest to set a day 
apart to seek the Lord for the assuaging of his dis- 
pleasure theroin, as also for direction and guidance in 
the solemn enterj)rize of entorinij into church fellow- 
ship ; which solemn day of humiliation was observed 
9* 



102 

by all, not onl)' of themselves, but also by their breth- 
ren at Plymouth in their behalf : And the Lord was 
entreated not only to assuage the sickness, but also 
encouraged their hearts to a beginning, and in some 
short time after to a further progress in the great 
work of erecting a way of worshipping of Christ in 
church fellowship, according to primitive institution. 
Those choice and eminent servants of Christ did not 
despise their poor leaders and fellow soldiers that 
they found in the same work of the Lord with them 
at Plymouth, but treated them as brethren, much pit- 
ying their great straits and hardships they had en- 
dured in the first beginning of planting this wilder- 
ness, promising all helpfulness even out of their own 
estates according to their power; and their said breth- 
ren at Plymouth were persuaded they spake as they 
thought in their hearts : For, such was the simplicity 
of those times, as that divers faces were not carried 
under a hood ; pride, covetousness, profaneness and 
sinful self, were ashamed to be seen, except in ob- 
scure places and persons. Oh, poor New England ! 
Consider what thou wast, and what thou now art ! 
Repent and do thy first works, saith the Lord ! So 
may thy peace be as a river, and thy righteousness 
as the waves of the sea, Isa. xlviii. 18, 19. So be it. 
But to return. 

The first that began in the good work of the Lord 
above mentioned, were their honored Governor, Mr. 
John VVinthrop, Mr. Johnson, forenamed, that much 
honored gentleman Mr. Thomas Dudley, and Mr. 
John Wilson, aforesaid : These four were the first 
that began that honorable church of Boston, unto 
whom there joined many other. The same year also 
Mr. George Phillips (who was a worthy servant of 
Christ, and dispenser of his word) began a church 
fellowship at Watertown ; as did also Mr. Maverick 
and Mr. Wareham, at Dorchester the same day. 

Thus out of small beginnings greater things have 
been produced by his hand that made all things of 



new-england's memorial. 103 

nothing ; and as one small candle may light a thou- 
sand ; so the light here kindled hath shone unto 
many, yea, in some sort to our whole nation. Let 
the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise in 
all ages. 

1631. 

This year the reverend and useful instrument Mr, 
John Elliot, came over, and not long after Mr. Weld, 
who began a church society ; as likewise good old 
Mr. Maverick and Mr. Wareham began one at Dor- 
chester. 

1632. 

This year one Sir Christopher Gardiner (being as 
himself said) descended of the house of Gardiner bish- 
op of Winchester, who was so great a persecutor of 
God's saints in Queen Mary's days, arrived at New 
England; he being a great traveller received his first 
honor of knighthood at Jerusalem, being made knight 
at the sepulchre there : He came into these parts in 
pretence of forsaking the world, and to live a private 
life in a godlj^ course, not willing to put himself upon 
any mean employment, and take any pains for his 
living, and sometimes offered himself to join to the 
church in sundry places; he brought over with him 
a servant or two, and a comely 3'oung woman whom 
he called his cousin; but it was suspected (that after 
the Italian maimer) she was his concubine : He living 
at the Massachusetts, for some miscarriage for which 
he should have answered, fled away from authority 
and got amongst the Indians in the jurisdiction of 
New Plymouth; theGovernor of theMassachusetts sent 
after him but ( ould not get him, and promised some 
reward to those that should find him; the Indians 
came to theGovernor of Plymouth and told where he 
was, and asked if they might kill him, but the said 
Governor told them no, they s'i'^uld not kill him by 
no means, but if they could take him alive and bring 



104 NEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAL, 

him to Plymouth, they should be paid for their paios j 
they said he had a gun and a rapier, and he would 
kill them if they went about it, and the Massachu- 
setts Indians said they might kill him, but the Gov- 
ernor aforesaid told them no, they should not kill him, 
but watch their opportunity and take him, and so 
they did ; for when they light on him by the river 
side, he got into a canoe to get from them, and when 
ihey came near him, whilst he presented his piece at 
them to keep them oflf, the stream carried the canoe 
against a rock, and threw both him and his piece and 
the rapier into the water, yet he got out, and having 
a little dagger by his side, they durst not close with 
him: but getting long poles; they soon heat the dag- 
ger out of his hand ; so he was glad to yield, and they 
brought him to the Governor at Plymouth, but his 
hands and arms were swelled very sore with the 
blows they had given him, so he used him kindly, 
and sent him to a lodging where his arms were hatli- 
ed and anointed, and he was quickly well again, and 
blamed the Indians for beating him so much : They 
said they did but a little whip him with sticks. In liis 
lodcjing those that made his bed, found a little note 
book that by accident had slipped out of his pocket, 
or some private place, in which was a memorial what 
day he was reconciled to the Pope or church of Rome, 
and in what university he took his scaptila, &such &l 
such degree ; it being brought to the Governor,he kept 
it and sent it to the Governor of the Massachusetts, 
with word of his taking, who sent for him ; but after- 
wards he went for Ent(land, and shewed his malice 
against New Englc^ni, but God prevented him ; of 
which I thought meet to insert a letter from Mr. 
Winthrop, Governor of the Massachusetts, to Mr. 
Bradfoid, the Governor of Plj^mouth (in reference to 
this matter) as also the copy of an order relating to 
the sameas followeth. And first of the letter : 
Sir, 

Upon a petition exhibited by Sir Christopher Gar- 



new-england's memorial. 105 

diner, S'ir Ferdinando Gorges, Captain Mason, &c. 
against you and us, the cause was heard before the 
Lords of the Privj^ Council, and afterwards reported 
to the King; the success whereof makes it evident 
to all, that the Lord hath care of his people here ; the 
passages are admirable and too long to w rite : I heart- 
ily wish for an opportunity to impart them unto j^ou, 
being many sheets of paper; but the conclusion was, 
against all men's expcc tdlion, an order for our encour- 
agement, and much Mame and disgrace upon the ad- 
versaries, which calls for mucli thankfulness from us, 
all which we purpose (God willing) to oppress in a 
day of thanksgiving to our merciful God, I doubt not 
but you will consider if it be not fit for you to join in 
it ; who as he hath humbled us by his late correction, 
so he hath lifted us up by an abundant rejoicing in 
our deliverance out of so desperate a danger ; so as 
that which our enemies built their hopes upon to ruin 
us by, he hath mercifully disposed to our great advan- 
tage, as I shall further acquaint you when occasion 
shall serve. 

The copy of the order follows : 

^t the court at Whitehall^ January 19, 1632. 
Sigillem Crescent, 
Lord Privy Seal, Mr. Trevers, 

Earl of Dorset, Mr. Vice Chamberlain, 

Lord Viscount Falkland, Mr. Secretary Cook, 
Lord Bishop of London, Mr. Sec'y Windebank, 
Lord Cottington, 
Whereas his Majesty hath lately been informed of 
great distraction and much disorder in the plantations 
in the parts of America called New England, which 
if they be true, and suffered to run on, would tend to 
the dishonor of this kingdom, and utter ruin of that 
plantation : For prevention whereof, and for the or- 
derly settling of government, according to the inten- 
tion of those patents which have been granted by his 
Majesty, and from his late royal father King James; 
it hath pleased his Majestj^, that the Lords and others 



106 

of his most honorable privy council should take the 
same into consideration : 'their l^oidsldps, in the 
first place, thought fit to make a conimitlee of this 
board, to take examination of the matters informed; 
which committee having called divers of the princi- 
pal adventurers in that plantation, and heard those 
that are complainants against them ; most of the things 
informed beiui^j denied, and resting to he proved by 
parties that must be called from that place, which re- 
quired a long expense of time, and at present their 
Lordships finding tliey were upon despatch of men, 
victuals and merchandise for that place, all which 
would be at a stand if the adventurers should have 
discouragement, or take suspicion th.at the slate here 
bad no good opinion of that plantation ; their Lord- 
ships not laying the faults or fancies (if any be) of 
some particular men upon the general government, or 
principal adventurers which in due time is to be en- 
quired into; have thought fit, in the mean time to 
declare, that the appeaiances were so fair, and hopes 
so great, that the countrj^ would prove both benefi- 
cial to this kingdom, and profitable to the particulars, 
as that the adventurers had cause to go on cheerfull}^ 
with their undertakings, and rest assured, if things 
were carried as was pretended when the patents were 
granted, and accordingly as by the patents it is ap- 
pointed, his IVlajesty would not only maintain the 
liberties and privileges heretofore granted, hut supply 
any thing further that might tend to the good gov- 
ernment, prosperity and comfort of his people there 
of that place, &c. WILLIAM TRUMBALL. 

1633. 

This year Mr. Edward Winslow was chosen Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : And Mr. 
William Bradford, Capt. Miles S'tandish, Mr. John 
Rowland, Mr. John Alden, Mr. John Dove, Mr. Ste- 
phen tiopkins, and Mr. William Gilson were chosen 
to be his assistants in government. 



ifEW-EK gland's memorial. 107 

The plantation of Plymouth having hid some for- 
mer converse with the Dutch, as hath been hinted, 
they seeing t!iem seated in a barrcii quarter, told them 
of a river called by them* the fiesti river, vvtiich they 
often commended unto them for a good .place, both 
for plantation and trade, and wished tliem to make 
use of it ; but their hands being full otherwise, they 
let them pass : But afterwards there coming a com- 
pany of Indians into these parts that were driven out 
of their country by the potency of the Pequots, they 
solicited them to go thither. These Indians nut see- 
ing them very forward to entertain the m<»tion, which 
they moved with great ardency, they solicited them 
of the government of the Massacliusetts in like sort, 
but they being then not fit to entertain the motion, 
in respect that they were newly come into the 
country, did not much regard it. JNotwithstanding, 
some of the chief made a motion to join some here in 
a way of trade at the same river: on which a meet- 
ing was appointed to treat concerning the same mat- 
ter, and some of Plymouth appointed to give them a 
meeting, which they did, but they cast in the way 
many fears of danger and loss, and the iike, on which 
they of the Massachusetts declined the thing, and did 
not proceed therein. Whereupon those of Plymouth 
went alone, and prepared a frame of an house, and 
stowed it into a hark, ready to rear at their landing, 
and went up the said river and reared their said house, 
and fenced it about with a palisado, which was done 
with great difficulty, not only of the Dutch, but also 
of the Irjdians. 

Notwithstanding, the place they possessed them- 
selves of was such as the Dutch had nothing to do 
with, and likewise was bought of the Indians which 
they carried with them. And this was Plymouth's 
entrance there, who deserved to have held it, and not 
by friends to have been thrust out, as in a sort they 
afterwards were. 

* Which is the same called Connecticut River. 



108 new-england's memorial. 

This year it pleased God to visit Plymouth with 
an infectious (ever^ of which many fell very sick, and 
upwards of twenty died, men, women, and children, 
and sundry of them were of their ancient friends; 
amongst the rest, Mr. Samuel Fuller then died, after 
he had much helped others, and was a comfort to 
them; he was their chyrurgeon and physician, and 
did much good in his place, being not only useful in 
his faculty, but otherwise as he was a godly man, and 
served Christ in the office of a deacon in the church 
for many years, and forward to do good in this place, 
and was much missed after God removed him out of 
this world. 

This sickness caused much sadness amongst them, 
and according to their duly they besought the Lord 
by fasting and prayer, and he was entreated of th^m, 
and towards winter the sickness ceased. This sick- 
ness being a kind of a pestilent fever, swept away al- 
so many of the Indians from many places near ad- 
joining to Plymouth. 

It is to be observed, that the spring before this 
sickness, there w^asa numerous company of flies which 
were alike for bigness unto* wasps or humblebces,thpy 
came out of little holes in the ground, and did eat up 
the green things, and made such a constant y.^iling 
noise as made the woods ring of them, and r( ady to 
deafen the hearers ; they were not any of tht^m 
heard or seen by the English in the country before 
this time ; but the Indians told them that si( kness 
would follow, and so it did very hot in the mtnii s of 
June, July and August, of that summer. 

This year there arrived in New England, these 
three worthy instruments, Mr. John Cotton, Mr. 
Thomas Hooker, and Mr. Samuel Stone, who were 
gospel preachers of excellent worth and use in their 
places, until God took them out of tliC world. 

This year likewise Mr. William Collier arrived 

* St range aad uawonted Hies a ^.r^sag-e of a SiCiiuess that fol- 
loweth. 



tj£W-feNGLAND's MEMORIAL. 109 

tvith his family in New England, who, as he had been 
a good benefactor to the colony of New Plymouth, 
before he came over, having been an adventurer unlo 
it at its first beginning; so also he approved himself a: 
very useful instrument in that jurisdiction after he 
arrived, being frequently chosen, and for divers year? 
serving God and the country in the place of magistra- 
cy, and lived a godly and holy life until old ago, 
which to him is a crown of glory, being found in the 
way of righteousness. 

1634, 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Govern- 
or of the jurisdiction of New Plj' mouth : His assist- 
ants in government were Mr. William Bradford, Mr. 
Edward VVinslow, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. William 
Collier, Mr. John Alden, Mr. John Rowland, and Mr. 
Stephen Hopkins. 

In the spring of this year there fell a very great 
sickness of the small pox amongst the Indians, so as 
they died most miserably of it ; for a sorer disease 
cannot come amon{j:st them, and they dread it more 
than the plague itself, for usually those of them which 
have this disease, have them in abundance, and for 
want of beddinir and linen, and other necessaries, 
fall into a lamentable condition ; for as they lie on 
their hard mats, the pox breaking and running one 
into another, their skin cleaving by reason thereof to 
the mats they lie on, when they turn them, much of 
their skin flays off at once, and they will be all on a 
gore of blood, most sad and grievous to behold ; and 
then being very sore, what with cold and other dis- 
tempers, they die like rotten sheep. 

This year one Captain Stone, who had sometimes 
lived at Christopher's in the West Indies, came into 
these parts ; of whom I have nothing to speak in way 
of commendation, but rather the contrary^ After he 
had been to and fro in the country, he returned to- 
wards Virginia with one Captain Norton ; and so it 
10 



1 ] a NEV^ENGLAN^D^S ^^OHUU' 

was, that as they returned they went into Conneefr^ 
cut river, where the Indians killed the said Stone as 
he lay in his cabin, and threw a covering over him : 
They likewise killed ail the rest of his conrjpany, but 
the said Capt. Norton, he defending himself a long- 
time in the cook room of the bark until, by accident, 
the gun-powder took fire, which for readiness he had 
set in an open thing before him, which did so burn 
and scald him^ and blind his eyes, as he could make 
no longer resistance, but was slain also by them, and 
they made a prey of his goods. 

It is to be observed, that the said Stone being at the 
Dutch plantation in the fore part of this year, a cer- 
tain bark of Plymouth bein^g there likewise on trad-^ 
ing, he kept company with the Dutch Governor, and 
made him drunk and got leave of him in his drunken- 
ness to take the said bark, without any occasion or 
cause given him ; and so taking his time when the 
merchant and some of the chief of the men were on 
shore, with some of his own men, made the rest of 
them weigh anchor, and set sail to carry her away to 
Virginia ; but some of the Dutch seamen, who had 
been at Plymouth and receii^ed kindness, seeing this 
horrible abuse, got a vessel or two and pursued them, 
snd brought them back. After this he came into the 
Massachusetts Bay, where they commenced suit 
against htm ; but by the mediation of some it was ta- 
ken up, and afterwards in the company of some gen- 
tlemen he came to Plymouth, and was kindly enter- 
tained; but revenge boiling in his breast, (as some 
conceived) he watched a season to have stabbed the 
Governor, and put his hand to his dagger for that end,- 
but by God's providence ordering the vigilance of 
some that were about him, he was prevented ; but 
God met with him for these and other wickedness- 
^, as hath been before related* 



"t^f^^-WfeYAWs MEMORIAL. 1 1 1 

1635. 

This 3"ear Mr» William Bradford was chosen Gov- 
^ejrnor of the jurisdiction of New Plyn -..uth. Mr. 
Edward Winslow, Mr. Thomas Prince^ Mr. William 
Collier, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. John Aldcn, Mr. 
John How land, and Mr. Stephen Hopkins, were .cho- 
sen to be his assistants in government. 

This year Mr. Edward Winslow took a voyage for 
England, on public occasions, and it came to pass that 
he had occasion to answer some complaints made 
against the country, at the council board ; more chief- 
ly concerning the Massachusetts jurisdiction, which 
he did to good effect, and further prosecuted such 
things as might tend to the good of the whole: In 
particular he referred a petition to the right honora^ 
ble the Lords commissioners for the plantations in 
America, in reference unto some injuries done by the 
French and Dutch unto the country; which petition 
found good acceptance, and was in a way to a satisfac- 
tory answer: But sundry adversaries interposed^ 
/whose ends were the subversion and overthrow of the 
churches, at least to disturb their peace, and hinder 
their growth; but, by God's providence, it so fell out 
in the end, that although those adversaries crossed 
the petition from taking any further effect in the end 
principally intended in it ; yet by this, as a means, 
the plot was discovered, and those adversaries came 
to nothing: The particulars whereof are too long 
here to be inserted. 

This year, on Saturday, the fifteenth day of August, 
was such a mighty storm of wind and rain, as none 
now living in these parts, either English or Indian, 
bad seen the like, beijig like unto those* hurricanes 
or tuffins, that writers mention to be in the Indies. 
It heean in the morning, a little before day, and grew 
not by degrees, but came with great violence in the 
beginning, to the great amazement of many : It blew 

*The g^reat storm or hurricane. 



i 1 :2 new-england's memorial. 

down sundry houses, and uncovered divers others; 
divers vessels were lost at sea in it, and many more 
in extreme danger. It caused the sea to swell in some 
places to the southward of Plymouth, as that it arose 
to twenty feet right up and down, and made many of 
the Indians to climb into trees for their safety. It 
threw down all the corn to the ground, ^which never 
rose more ; the which through the mercy of God, it 
being near the harvest time, was not lost, though 
much the worse ; and had the wind continued with- 
out shifting, in likelihood it would have drowned some 
part of the country. It blew down many hundred 
thousands of trees, turning up the stronger by the 
roots, and breaking the high pine trees and such like 
in the midst, and the tall young oaks, and walnut 
trees of good bigness, were wound as withes by it, 
very strange and fearful to behold. It began in the 
southeast, and veered sundry ways, but the greatest 
force of it at Plymouth was from the former quarter ; 
it continued not in extremity above five or six hours 
before the violence of it began to abate ; the marks 
of it will remain this many years, in those parts w here 
it was forest : The moon suffered a great eclipse two 
nights after it. 

1636. 

This year Mr. Edward Winslow was chosen Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of Plymouth : And iMr. Wil- 
liam Bradford, Mr. Tiiomas Prince, Mr. William 
Collier, Mr. John Alden, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, 
Mr. John Brown, Mr. Stephen Hopkins, were chosen 
to be his assistants in government. 

This year the towns on the river of Connecticut 
began to bo planted, and in transporting of goods 
thither, from the Massachusetts Bay, two shallops 
were cast away (loaded with goods to go thither) in 
an easterly storm, at the mouth of Plymouth harbour ; 
the boat's men were all lost, not so much as any of 
their bodies found for burial, they being five in num- 



i 



tlEW-ENGIiAND S MEMORIAL. 113 

ber in both boats : The principal of them was one 
Mr. William Cooper, an ancient seaman of known 
skill, having formerly been master of a ship, and had 
gone great voyages to the East-Indies, and to other 
parts, but the night being dark and stormy, they ran 
upon the skirt of a fiat that lieth near the month of 
the harbour, and so were over raked 5 the gtods came 
on shore along the harbour, and the Governor caused 
a careful course to be taken for the preservation of 
them in the behalf of the right owners, who after* 
wards received so many of them as wore saved. 

Now lollow^th tlie tragedy of the war tliat fell be* 
twixt the the * English and the Fequots, which I will 
relate according to my best intelligence ; in order 
whereunto I thought good to mention some particu* 
lars hrst, that by disterniig the whole matter in the 
several parts and circumstances, the more of the mer* 
cy and goodness of God may be taken notice of to 
his praise, for destroying so proud and blasphemous 
an enemy. 

In the year 1634, the Pequots, a stout and warlike 
people, who had made war with sundry of their 
neighbours, and being puffed up with many victories, 
grew now at variance with the Narragansets, a great 
people bordering upon them ; these Narragansets 
held correspondence and terms of friendship with the 
English of the Massachusetts : Now the Pequots be- 
ing conscious of the guilt of Captain Stone's death, 
whom they knew to be an Englishman, as also those 
that were with him ; and being fallen out with the 
Dutch, lest they should have over many enemies at 
once, souijht to make friendship with the English of 
the Massachusetts, and for that end, sent both mes- 
sengers and gifts unto them, as appears by some let* 
ters sent from the Governor of the ^'lassachusetts to 
the Governor of Plymouth, as foUoweth : 

* The relation of tbe Pequot wart. 



1 1 4 NEW- 

Dear and zoorthy Sir, 

To let you know something of our affairs, you may 
understand that the Pequots have sent some of theirs 
to us, to desire our friendship, and offered much wam- 
pum and beaver, &c. The first messengers were dis- 
missed without answer ; with the next we had divers 
days conference, and taking the advice of some of 
our ministers, and seeking the Lord in it, we conclud- 
ed a peace and friendship with them, upon these con- 
ditions : That they should deliver up to us those men 
who were guilty of Stone's death, &c. and if we de- 
sired to plant in Connecticut, they should give up 
their right to us, and we would send to trade with 
them as our friends, which was the chief thing we 
aimed at : They being now at war with the Dutch 
and the rest of their neighbours : To this they readi- 
ly agreed, and that we would mediate a peace be- 
tween them and the Narragansets, for w^hich end they 
were content we should give tlie Narragansets part 
of the present they would bestow on us ; for they 
stood so much on their honour, as they would not be 
seen to give any thing of themselves : As for Captain 
Stone, they told us there were but two left of those 
who had any hand in his death, and that they killed 
him in a just quarrel, for (said they) he surprised two 
of our men and bound them, to make them by force 
to shew him the way up the river ; and he with two 
others coming on shore, nine Indians watched them, 
and when they were asleep in the night, they killed 
them to deliver their own men ; & some of them go- 
ing afterwards to the bark, it was suddenly blown up : 
We are now preparing a bark to send unto them. 
And in another letter he saith, our bark is lately re- 
turned from the Pequots, and our men put off but lit- 
tle commodities, and found them a very false people, 
so as we mean to have no more to do with them. 

Ymtrs ever assured, 
JOHN WINTHROF. 

Boston, March 12, 1634. 






NEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAL. 115 

Not long after these things, Mr. John Oldham (of 
whom much is spoken before) being now an inhabit- 
ant of the Massachusetts, went with a small ves- 
sel and slenderly manned, on trading on those south 
parts, and upon a quarrel between him and the Ind- 
ians * was cut off by them in such a manner as hath 
been forenoted, at an island called by the Indians, 
Mannisses, by the English Block-Island ; this with the 
former about the death of Stone, and the baffling of 
the Pequots with the English of the Massachusetts, 
moved them to take revenge, and require satisfaction 
for those wrongs ; but it took little eftec t, some of the 
murderers of Mr. Oldham htd to the Pequots, and al- 
though the English went to the Pequots, and had 
some parly with them, yet they did but delude them; 
and the English returned without doing any thing to 
purpose, being frustrated of their opportunity by their 
deceit. After the English of the Massachusetts were 
returned, the Pequots took their time and opportuni- 
tj' to cut off some of the English at Connecticut, as 
they passed up and down upon their occasions ; and 
tortured some of them in puttinj; them to death, in a 
most barbarous manner, and most blasphemously in 
(the Pequots horrible blasphemy) this their cruelty, 
bade them call upon their God, or mocked and derid- 
ed them when they so did ; and not long after as- 
saulted them at their houses and habitations, as will 
appear more fully in the ensuing relation. 

1637. 

In the fore part of this year, the Pequots fell open- 
ly upon the Eni^lish at Connecticut, in the lower 
parts of the river, and slew sundry of them as 
they were at work in the fields, both men and women, 
to the great terror of the rest ; and went away in 
great pride and triumph with many high threats : 
They also assaulted Saybrook fort, at the mouth of 
the river of Connecticut, although it was strong and 
* Mr. Oldham's death. 



116 new-england's memorial. 

well defended ; it struck them with much fear and 
astonishment, to see their hold attempts in the face 
of danger, which made them in all places to stand up- 
on their guard, and to prepare for resistance, and ear- 
nestly to solicit their friends and confederates in the 
Massachusetts Bay, to send them speedy aid, for they 
looked for more forcible assaults : Mr* Vane being 
then Governor of that jurisdiction, wrote from their 
Ornei-al Couit to the Governor and Court of New 
Plymoutli, to join with them in this war, to which 
tl.ey were cordially willing. In the mean time, be- 
for» things could be prepared for to set out, the l*e- 
quots(as they had dontj the winter before) sought to 
make peace with the Narragansets, and used many 
pernicious arguments to move them thereunto, as 
that the English were strangers, and began to over- 
spread their country, and would deprive them there- 
of in time, if they were sutiered to grow and increase ; 
and if the Narragansets did assist the English to sub- 
due them, that did but make way for their own over- 
throw ; for if they were rooted out, the English would 
soon take occasion to subjugate them ; and if they 
would hearken to them, they should not need to fear 
the strength of the English ; for they would not come 
to open battle with them, but fire their houses, kill 
their cattle, and lie in ambush for them as they went 
abroad upon occasions, and all this they might easily 
do with little danger to themselves : The which 
course being held, they well saw the English would 
not long subsist, but they would either be starved 
with hunger or forced to forsake the country : With 
many like things, insomuch that the Narragansets 
were once wavering, and were half minded to have 
made peace with them, and joined against the En- 
glish ; but again when ihey considered how much 
wrong they had received from the Pequots, and what 
an oppoitunity they had now by helping the English 
to right themselves, revenge was so sweet to them, 
as it prevailed above all the rest , so as they resolved 



new-england's memorial. 117 

to join with the English against them, and so did. 
The Court of PI; mouth agreed to find fifty men at 
their own charge, and with as much speed as possible 
they could get them in readiness, under suflicient 
leaders, and provided a bark to carry their provisions, 
and to tend upon them on all occasion?, and when 
they were ready to march with a supply from the 
bay, they had word sent tliem to stay, foi' tin; enemy 
was as good as vanquished and there would he no need. 

I shall not take upon me exactly to describe liicir 
proceedings in this war, because possibly it hath been 
done by themselves that Wcre actors iherein. and 
best knew the circumstances of things: I shall there- 
fore set them down in the mam and general, accord- 
ing to my best intelligence. 

f^rom Connecticut, who were most sensible of the 
hurt sustained, and the present danger, they set out 
a party of men, and another part) met them from 
the Massacliusetts Bay, at the iNarragansets, who were 
to join them. The Narragansets were very earnest 
to be gone, before the English were well rested and 
refreshed, especially some of them which came last. 
It should seem their desire was to come upon the en- 
emy suddenly and unexpectedly. There being a 
bark of Plymouth newly put in there, which was 
come fiom Connecticut, they did encourage them to 
lay hold of the opportunity of the Indians' forward- 
ness, and to shew as great forwardness as they, for 
it would encourage them, and expedition mieht turn 
to their great advantage. So they went on, and so 
ordered their march, as the Indians brought them to 
the fort of their enemy (in which most of their chief 
men were) before day : They approached the same 
with great silence, and surrounded it both with En- 
glish and Indians, that the) might not break out, and 
so assaulted them with great courage, shooting among 
them, and entered the fort with great speed ; and 
those that first entered found sharp resistance from 
the enemy, who both shot and grappled with them : 



118 KEW-ENGLANd's MEMORlAt* 

Others ran into their liouses, and brought out fire 
and set them on fire, which soon took in their mats, 
and their houses standing close together, with the 
wind, all was soon on a flame, and thereby more were 
burnt to death than were otlierwise slain. It burnt 
their bow strings, and made them unserviceable. 
Those that escaped the tire were slain with the sword ; 
some hewed to pieces, some run through w^ith their 
rapiers, so as they were quickly despatched, and very 
few escaped. The number they thus destroyed, was 
<:onceived to be above four hundred. At this time it 
was a fearful sight to see them thus frying in the fire, 
and the streams of blood quenching the same; and 
horrible was the stink and scent tliereof : But the 
victory seemed a sweet sacrifice, and they gave the 
praise thereof lo God, who had wrought so wonder- 
fully for them, thus to enclose their enemies in their 
hands, and give them so speedy a victory over so 
proud, insulting and blasphemous an enemy. The 
Karragansets all this wliile stood round about aloof 
oflT from all danger, and left the whole execution to 
the English, except it were the stopping any that 
brake away, insulting over their enemies in their 
ruins and misery, when they saw them dancing in the 
fire; calling by a word in their own language, signify- 
ing O brave PequoLs ! Vv'hich they used familiarly 
amongst themselves in their own praises, in songs of 
triumph after their victories. 

After this service was thus happily aceomplislied, 
the English marched to the water side, where they 
met with some of their vessels, by whoni they were 
refreshed, and supplied with victuals and other neres- 
saries ; But in their n»arch, the rest of the Fequots 
cirew into a body, and followed them thinking to 
have some advantage against them by reason of a neck 
of land; but when they saw the English prepare for 
them, they kept aloof, so as they neither did hurt 
nor would receive any. Ami after the English their 
refreshing and repairing together for further counsel 



NSW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL. llf 

and directions, they resolved to pursue their victorj^y 
and follow the war against the rest ; But the Narra- 
gansets most of them forsook them, and such of them 
as they had with them for guides or otherwise, they 
found very cold or backward in the business, either 
out of envy, or that they thought the English would 
make more profit of the victory than they were wil- 
ling they should, or else deprive them of that advan- 
tage that they desired in making the Pequots become 
tributaries unto them, or the like. 

For the rest of this tragedy, I shall only relate the 
same as is in a letter from Mr. VVinthrop to Mr. Brad- 
ford, as folio wet lu 
Worthy Sir^ 
1 received your loving letter, but straightness of 
time forbids me : For my desire is to acquaint you 
with the Lord's great mercy towards us, in our pre- 
vailing against his and our enemies, that you may re- 
joice and praise his name with us. About fourscore 
of our men having coasted along towards our Dutch 
plantation, sometimes by water, but most by land, mety 
here and there, with some Pequots, whom they slew 
or took prisoners. Two Sachems they took and be- 
headed ; and not hearing of Sasacus, the chief Sa- 
chem, they gave a prisoner his life to go and find him 
out : He went and brought them word where he 
was ; but Sasacus suspecting him to be a spy, after 
he was gone, fled away with some twenty more ta 
the Mohawks, so our men missed of him ; yet divid- 
ing themselves, and ranging up and down as the prov- 
idence of God guided them, for the Indians were all 
gone, save three or four, and they knew not whither 
to guide tliem, or else wouM not. Upon the thir- 
'eenth of this month, they lighted upon a great com- 
pany, viz. eight} strong men, and two hundred women 
md children, in a small Indian town, fast by a hideous 

wamp, which they all slipped into, before our men 

;ould get to them. 
Our Captains were not then come together ; but 



120 new-england's memorial. 

there was Mr. Ludlow and Captain Mason, with some 
ten of their men, and Captain Patrick with some twen- 
ty or njose of his, who shooting at the Indians, Cap- 
tain Track with fiftj^ more came in soon at the noise. 
Then they gave order to surround the swamp, it be- 
ing about a mile round ; but lieutenant Davenport 
and some twelve more, not hearing that command, 
fell into the swamp amongst the Indians. The swamp 
was so thick with shrubs, and boggy withal, that some 
stuck fast, and received many shot. 

Lieutenant Davenport was dangerously wounded 
about his arm hole, and another shot in his head, so 
as fainting they were in great danger to have been 
taken by the Indians, but sergeant Riggs and sergeant 
JefFery, and two or three more, rescued them, and 
slew divers of the Indians with their swords. x^fter 
they were drawn out, the Indians desired parley, 
and were offered by Thomas Stanton, our interpreter, 
that if they would come out and yield themselves, 
they should have their lives that had not their hands 
in the English blood. VThereupon the Sachem of the 
place came forth, and an old man or two, and their 
wives and children, and so they spake two hours, till 
it was night : Then Thomas Stanton was sent to 
them again, to call them forth, but they said they 
would sell their lives there j and so shot at him so 
thick, as if he had not been presently relieved and 
rescued on his crying out, they would have slain him. 

Then our men cut off a place of swamp wit'i their 
swords, and cooped up the Indians into a narrow- 
compass, so as they could easier kill them through 
the thickets : So they continued all the night, stand- 
ing about twelve foot one from another, and the Ind- 
ians coming: up close to our men, shot their arrows so 
thick, as they pierced their hat brims, and their 
sleeves and stockings, and other parts of their clothes ; 
yet so miraculoui-ly did the Lord preserve them, as 
not one of them was w( unded, save those three who 
rashly went into the swamp as aforesaid. When it 



NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL. 121 

was near da}' it grew very dark, so that those of them 
that were left, dropped away, thou^jh they stood but 
twelve or fourteen foot asunder, and were discovered, 
and some killed, in the pursuit. In tlje searching of 
the swamp the next morning, they found nine slain, 
and some they pulled up, whom the Indians had bur- 
ied in the mire ; so as they do think that of all this 
company not twenty did escape, for they afterwards 
found some who died, in the flight, of their wounds 
received. The prisoners were divided some, to those 
of the river, and the rest to us of these parts. We 
send tlxe male children to Bermuda, by Mr. William. 
Pierce, and the women and maid children are dispos- 
ed about in the towns. There have been now slain 
and taken in all, anout seven hundred, the rest are 
dispersed, and the Indians in all quarters so terrified 
as all their friends are afraid to receive them. Two 
of the Sachems of Long-Island came to Mr. Stough- 
ton, and tendered themselves to be under our protec- 
tion ; and two of the Nepannet Sachems have been 
with me to seek our friendship. Among the prison- 
ers we have the wife and children of Mononotto, a 
woman of a very modest countenance and behaviour : 
It was by her mediation that the two English maids 
were spared from death, and were kindly used by 
her ; so that I have taken charge of her. One of her 
first requests was, that the English would not abuse 
her bod}^, and that her children might not be taken 
from her. Those which were wounded we fetched 
soon offby John Gallop, who came with his boat in 
an happy hour to bring them victuals, and to carry 
their wounded men to the barque, where our chief 
chyrurgeon was, with Mr. Wilson, being about eight 
leagues ofl". Our people are all in health, the Lord ' 
be praised : And although they had marched in their 
arms all the day, and had been in figlit all the night ; 
yoi they professed they found themselves so, as they 
could willingly have gone to such another business : 
The Captains report we have slain thirteen Sachems, 

\ n 



122 NEW-ENGLAND's MEM^OKfAX*- 

but Sasacus and Mononotto are still living ; tins is the 
substance of what I have received, though I am forced 
to omit many considerable circumstances : So being 
in much straigbtness of time, the shi]>s being to de- 
part within this fftur days, and in them the Lord Lee 
and Mr. Vane. 1 here break off, and with hearty 
salutation, &c. I rest Your assured friend^ 

July2S, 1637. JOHN WINTHROP. 

To conclude the discourse of this matter: This Sa- 
sacus the Pequot Sachem, being fled to the Mohawks, 
they cut off his head, and some other of the chief of 
them, whether to satisfy the English, or rather the 
Narragansets (who as 1 have heard hired them to do 
it) or for their own advantage I know not. 

And thus this war took end ; the body of this peo- 
ple were wholly subdued, and their country taken 
tVom them, and such of its inhabitants as bad escaped 
the heat of our revenge, by fire and sword, being 
nevertheless at the dispose of the conquerors, were 
by the English appointed some to the Narragansets, 
and some to the Mohegens, under Unkas their Sa- 
chem, who had been faithful and serviceable to them 
in this war : Yet the Narragansets were not pleased 
that themselves had not the sole government of the 
captives, and have since been continually quarrelling 
with the Monheags, and have sometimes been plotting 
against the English also ; but to conclude, the Pequots 
have since been taken under the immediate govern- 
ment of the English colonies, and live in their own 
country, being governed by such of their own, as are 
by the English substituted and appointed for that pur- 
pose. 

This year Mr. William Bradford was chosen Gov< 
nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : And. IV 
Edward Winslow, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. \^ 
liam Collier, Mr. Thomas Prince, Capt. Miles Stai 
ish, and Mr. John Jenny, were chosen his assista ; 
in government. 

This year Mr. Theophiluo Eaton and Mr. Jc 



KEW-fcNGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 1 ^'3 

Davenport, accompanied vvith divers other christians 
ot* special emiiiency, began the fourth of tlie united 
colonies in New England called New Haven, (called 
by the Dutch i^oeabert, and by the Indians Quinna- 
pink,) where they erected a church of Clirist, whic ii 
continue in gospel order until this daj-, in an amiable 
and exemplary manner ; notwithstanding they have 
met with divers losses and crosses, both of emine'iU 
and useful instruments, as also of a great part of their 
estates, as in special by the loss of Mr. Lambcrton's 
ship. Oi which said plantation and colony, I have lit- 
tle to insert, for want of niore full and certain intelli- 
gence. 

About this time there arose great trout)]es in the 
country, especially at Boston, by the breathing of an- 
tinomian ^ familistical opinions ; the chief sect leader 
thereof, was one Mrs. Hutchinson, these carried on 
their abominable tenets, with such subtilty, under a 
pretence of advancing free grace, and crying up the 
covenant of grace, and down the covenant of works ; 
as they took away (by their assertions) grace from 
the covenant ; yea, so close was this mystery of iniq- 
uity carried on, as that some of the prudentest of the 
orthodox party, could not discern it at the first ; but 
at length, the folly ofthose that were principal there- 
in was made manifest unto all men ; The evil conse- 
quences thereof faced very sadly, so as it influenced 
into their civil state, and caused great disturbance : 
But by God's blessing on the improvement of the 
faithful endeavours oihis servants, th.e messengers of 
the churches, who were called together as a synod to 
help in the case ; together vviih the prudence and in- 
dustry of sundry principal ones amongst them, both 
in church and state at other times : A right under- 
standing of some few things, in difterence amongst 
the sincere and godlj', was procured. The ring lead- 
\ ersof the faction being thus detected were censured, 
\ not only by the church, but by the civil power, and 
\ were also condemned to exilejwho not knowing where 



124 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. I 

where Ihey might sit down safely, made requests un- 
to the government of Pl3'mouth, that they might be 
at an island, that they had not hitherto improved, 
called by the Indians Aqtittnet, (and by the English 
inhabiting it Rhode-Island) which the government 
of Plymouth, aforesaid, considering they were their 
countrymen and fellow subjects tlmt were thus 
distressed and destitute of habitation, although they 
had their errors in as great dislike as those from 
whence they came, yet pitying them in their pres- 
ent straits, granted their requests ; so these having 
there seated themselves, and finding that it was a very 
fruitful and pleasant place (such indeed as that colony 
or jurisdiction hath not any the like left within their 
patent) they soon drew many more unto them, not 
only to fill up that island, but have also seated two 
more towns on the main ; therein (as is judged) en- 
croaching upon the rights of the aforesaid colony of 
Plymouth, and have of late through misinformation 
obtained a patent, not only for the places foremen- 
tioned, but have extended it into the heart and bow- 
els of the known and possessed rights of the said col- 
ony, endeavouring to requite their kindness, as some- 
times it is said the hedge hog did by the friendly co- 
ney. But it is our great happiness, that as God takes 
notice from on high of the unrighteousness and op- 
pression of the sons of men, so he hath given us a 
gracious Prince, who minds the peace of his meanest 
subjects, from whose justice and prudence we do con- 
fidently expect relief, and on that assurance do resolve 
by God's help to contain ourselves from seeking to 
vindicate our wrongs in such a way as their injurious 
dealings might provoke unro. 

'Phis year there was a hideous monster born at Bos- I 
ton, in New England, of one B'Jrs. Mary Dyer, a co- I 
partner with the said Mrs. Hutchinson, in the afore- 
said heresies; the said monster (as it was related to 
me) it was without head, but horns like a beast, scales 
or a rough skin like the fish called the thornback, it 



new-england's memorial. 125 

had legs and claws like a fowl, and in other respects 
as a woman child : The Lord declaring hisdetestatioQ 
of their monstrous errors(as was then thought by some) 
by this prodigious birth. 

Not long before these troubles, there arrived at 
Boston one Samuel Gorton, wlio from thence came to 
Plymouth ; and upon his first coming thither, gave 
some hopes that he would have proved an useful in- 
strument, but foon after, by little and little, discover- 
ed himself to be a proud and pestilent seducer, and 
deeply leavened with blasphemous and lamilisti'al 
opinions ; and observing such fictions to be spread by 
some of his spirit already in the country, he takes his 
opportunity to begin to sow such seed at Plymouth, 
whereby some were seduced, in special one John 
Weeks and his wife, who in some short time became 
very atheists, looking for no more happiness than this 
world aftbrds, not only in practice such, but also in 
opinion. But the said Gorton falling into some con- 
troversy with one Mr. Ralph Smith, was summoned 
to the court held at Plymouth, the fourth of Decem- 
ber, 1638, to answer the said Mr. Smith's complaint ; 
and there he carried so mutinously and seditiousl}^, as 
that he was for the same, and for lis turbulent car- 
riages towards both magistrates and ministers in the 
presence of the court, sentenced to find sureties for 
his good behaviour, during the time he should stay in 
tht jurisdiction, which was limited to fonrteen days, 
and aiso amerced to pay a considerable fine. In some 
short time after he departed to Rhode-Island, and in 
like manner or worse demeaned himself thereof, so 
as they were forced to sentence him to suffer corpo- 
real punishment by whipping, and they banished him 
likewise off the island. And from thence he with di- 
vers of his accomplices went to Providence, and there 
he and they carried so in outrage and riotously, as 
they were in danger to have caused bloodshed, so as 
the inhabitants some of them, viz. Mr. Roger Wil- 
liams and others, were constrained to solicit the eor- 
11* 



,i 



126 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 

ernment of the Massachusetts for aid, to help them 
against their insolencies : And for that end, some of 
them desired to come under their jurisdiction, and 
were accepted. Moreover, several of the poor neigh- 
bouring natives were so injuriously wronged by them 
the said Gorton and his company, the}' seeking to 
bereave them of their just rights of land by surrepti- 
tious ways ; in special, Pomham and Sokanoko, two 
petty Sachems living not far off from Providence, (the 
answer of Mr. E. VVinslow to Gorton's pamphlet, en- 
titled, Simplicity's defence against the seven headed 
policy, will give the reader a full and particular intel- 
ligence concerning all the transactions of those mat- 
ters, and likewise of their damnable errors) who were 
bereaved of their just rights in lands, by improving 
the tyrann}' of Miantonimok, the then chief Sachem 
of the Narragansets, for the procuring thereof, which 
necessitated the said under Sachems to make their 
appeal to the court of the Massachusetts for help in 
their oppressed condition, subjecting themselves and 
their lands unto their jurisdiction likewise; which 
caused the said government to require their appear- 
ance at Boston, to answer the complaints of those op- 
pressed English and Indians. But notwithstanding 
they several times sent to them with all gentleness 
and courteous expressions, they neither appeared nor 
sent satisfying reasons for their absence ; but instead 
thereof, many insolent, proud, railing, opprobrious re- 
turns ; so that the said government saw there vtas no 
remedy, but to send force to constrain them to come ; 
which they according^ly performed, and committed 
the said Gorton and several of them to ward : And 
during the time of their imprisonment, they carried 
still very proudly and audaciously towards all in place 
of authority, sparing hot to reproach, abuse and tra- 
duce the most honorable and reverend both in church 
and state ; and which is yet worse, spared not blas- 
phemously to fly upon the Lord Jesus himself, bis 
word and ordinances, in such a manner as scarce in 



127 

any age any hereticks or apostates have done the 
like: Not only abandoning and rfjec4ing all civil 
power and authority, (except moulded accovding to 
their own fancies) but belching out errors in their fa- 
milistical allegories (if 1 may so call them) as (to 
speak with holy reverence) they rendered the Lord 
Christ no other than an imagination; shunning not 
blasphemously to say, That Christ \sa^ but a shadow, 
and resemblance of what is done in every christian ; 
That Christ was incarnate in Adam, and was the im- 
age of God wherein Adam was created; and that his 
being born afterwards of tiie Virgin Mary, and sufter- 
ing, was but a manifestation of his sull'ering in Adam: 
That man's losing God's image was the death of 
Christ; that Christ is the covenant properly, and 
that faith and Christ are all one. 'J'hey call the holy 
word, and sermons of salvation, tales ; the Lord's sup- 
per, an abomination, and a spell ; baptism, vanity and 
abomination ; the ministers of the word, necuman- 
cers : And by other opprobrious ternis vilify and tra- 
duce them. Much more mi,,hl ! e spoken and nx n- 
tioned of this stut!', which they have not been asham. 
ed to divulge ; but a little is enough, save bu! to give 
the reader to see the Lord's goodness towards his poor 
people in New England, that hath delivered us, and 
saved us of his grace from their pernicious destructive 
ways, and hath so detected their foUy, as it is uvdde 
manifest to all men. In hnt-, the s.w. Gorton and his 
fellow prisoners were several of them sentenced to 
remain in durance in several of the towns in the ju- 
risdiction of the Massachusetts, for six months, and 
afterwards banished. 

He was a subtle deceiver, courteous in his carriage 
to all, at ^ome times (for hirown ends) but soon mov- 
ed with passion, and so lost that which he gained up- 
on the simole. To shut up what 1 have to say con- 
cerning him, which is sad : He is since become a sor- 
did man in his life, as he hath been declared to be in 
his cursed principles and opinions, and hath not shun- 



128 new-england's memorial. 

ned to say and aSirm, that all the felicity we are like 
to have, we must expect in this life, and no more : 
And therefore advised one with whom he had some 
speech, to make much of herself, for she must expect 
no more but what she could enjoy in this life, or 
words to the same etfect. Thus evil men and deceiv- 
ers grow worse and worse, deceiving and being de- 
ceived, 2 Tim. iii. 13. 

1638. 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Govern- 
or of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. William 
Bradford, Mr. Edward VVinslow, Capt. Miles Stand- 
ish, Mr. John Alden, Mr. John Jenny, Mr. John At- 
wood, Mr. John Brown, were chosen to be his assist- 
ants in government. 

This year three men were executed for robbing 
and murdering an 'ndian near Providence, which be- 
sides th(j evidence that came against them, they did 
in substance confess against (hemselves, and were 
condemned by legal trial. Some have thought it 
great severity, to hang three English for one Indian ; 
but the more considerate will easily satisfy them- 
selves for the legality of it : And indeed should we 
sutler their murdeiers to go unpunished we might 
justly fear that God would suffer them to take a more 
sharp revenge. By such arguments was the govern- 
ment of Plymouth moved by the government of the 
Massachusetts to do ju.-tice to the case. And here 
may be noted, that the Massachus': tts r^-fused this tri- 
al, as being committed in the jurisdiction of Plym- 
outh ; and they of Rhode Island havi»iig apprehended 
them, tliey deliver^ d them to the aforesaid jurisdic- 
tion of Plymouth, on the same grounds. 

This year, about the second of June, there was a 
great and fearful earthquake: It was heard before it 
came with a rumbling noise, or low murmer, like un- 
to remote thunder. It came from the northward, 
and passed southwards 5 as the noise approached near, 



new-england''s memorial, 129 

l]\e earth began to quake ; and it came at lengtli with 
tliat violence as it caused platters, dishes and s>uch 
like things which stood upon shelves, to clatter 
and fail down ; jea, people were afraid of their 
houses: And it was so, as that sonrie being without 
doors could not stand, but were fain to catch hold of 
posts and pales to prevent them from failing. About 
half an hour, or less, came another noii^eand shaking, 
but not so loud r»or so strong as the former. It was 
not only on the land, but at sea also; for some shi|)s 
that were on the sea-coast were shiken by it : So 
powerful is the mighty hand of the Lord, as to cause 
both the earth and the sea to shake, and the moun- 
tains to tremble b. fore him. His way is in the 
whirlwind, and the storm, and the clouds are tlie dust 
of his feet; the rocks are thrown down before him ! 
Who can stand before his indignation ? And who can 
abide in the fierceness of his anger ? Nahum i. 3,4,5,6. 

1639. 

This year Mr. William }3radford was chosen Gov- 
ernor of Plymouth . Mr. Thomas Priiice. Captain 
Miles Standish, Mr. John Alden, Mr. J< hu Brown, 
Mr. William Co'!ier, Mr. 'i imothy Hatherly, and 
Mr. John Jennj^, were chosen assistants. 

This year Harvard College was erected at Cam- 
bridi^e, in New England, which was so called in re- 
membrance of a worthy gentleman, who libeially 
contributed towaids the charge of the erecting of it. 

This year the jrreat Sachem Woosamequen, some- 
times called Massssoiet, and JMooanam his son, came 
into the court held at Plymouth, in New England, pn 
the live and twentieth day of September, in their own 
proper persons, and desired that the ancient league 
and confederacy formerly made with the government 
of Plymouth aforesaid (wherein he acknowledged 
liimself subject to the kifig of England, and his suc- 
cessor?) may stand and remain inviolable. And the 
said Woosamequen, and Mooanam his son, (he that 



130 new-england's memorial. 

is here called Mooanam, is the same that was called 
Wamsitta ; it being usual for the Indians to change 
their nannes) for themselves and their successors did 
faithfully promise to keep and observe the covenants 
and conditions therein expressed and contained, wliich 
on their parts are likewise to be kept and observed. 
And tiie said Moosamequen, and Mooanam his son, 
did then also promise to the whole court aforesaid, 
that he nor they shall or will needlessly or unjustly 
raise any quarrels, or do any wrong to other natives, 
to provoke tht m to war against them ; and that he or 
they shall not give, sell, or convey any of his or their 
lands, territories or possessions w hatsoever, to any 
person or persons whomsoever, without the privUy 
and consent of the government of Plymouth, afore- 
said, other than such as the said iiovcrnmetit shall 
send or appoint. All which conditions the said 
Woosamequen and Mooanam his son, for themselves 
and their successors, did then faithfully promise to 
observe and krep. And the whole court, in the name 
of the whole government, for each town respectively, 
did then likewise ratify and confirm the aforesaid 
ancient league and confederacy : And did also further 
promise to the said Woosamequen, and Mooanam his 
son, and his successors, that they shall and will from 
time to time defend the said Woosamequen and Moo- 
anam his son, and their successors, when need and 
occasion shall require, against ail sMch as shall unjust- 
ly rise up against them to wrong or oppress them 
unjustly. 

1610. 

Mr. William Bradford was elected Governor of the 
jurisdiction of Plj/mouth ;. Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. 
William Collier, Mr. John Brown, Capt. Miles Stand- 
ish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, and Mr. Edmund Free- 
man, were elected assistants. 



131 



1641 



This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth: Mr. 
Edi^ard Wiiislow, Mr. 'Ihomas Prince, Mr. William 
Collier, Captain Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hath- 
erly, Mr. John Brown, and Mr. Edmuiid Freeman, 
were chosen assistants to him in government. 

1642 

This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth: Mr. Ed- 
ward Winslov, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. William. 
Collier, Mr. Timothy Hatlieriy, Mr. John Brown, 
Mr. William Thomas, and Mr. Edmund Freeman, 
were elected assistants to him in government. 

In reference unto the three last jearss specified, al- 
thoui^h I have no special providence to take notice of, 
particularly to assiijn to each of them, save the con- 
tinuance of God's mercy and goodness in the annual 
election of godly and able maj^istrates in the jurisdic- 
tion of Plymouth, as is before noted; yet notwith- 
standing we are to take notice of the continued peace 
and plenty, with which not only these three years 
(respectively considered) but also for many years to- 
gether both before and after them. New England was 
so marvellously gratiated : But that which is more, 
that about these times the Lord was pleased of his 
great goodness, richly to accomplish and adorn the 
colony of Plymouth (as well as other colonies in New- 
England) with a considerable number of godly and 
able gospel-preachers, who then being dispersed and 
disposed of to the several churches and congregations 
thereof, gave liijht in a glorious and resplendent man- 
ner, as burning and shining lights: Which mercy 
and transcendent favour, had not sin and satan's envy 
interposed, niiirht have rendered {hem greatlv happy 
and prosperous; it being observed, tbot where gospel 
dispensation flouiishetb, there prosperity in otber 
respects may usually be expected. 



132 

In reference unto the honor of God, and due res- 
pects uuto such worthy instiuments, I thought nneet 
to nominate sonne of the spf cialest of thenn, 
viz. Mr. Charles Chauncy, ]\]r. William Hook, IVJr. 
Nicholas Street, Mr. John Laythrop, Mr. John Mayo, 
Mr. John Reyner, Mr. Ral{jh Partridge, Mr. Samuel 
Newman, Mr. William Leverich, Mr. Richard Blin- 
man, Mr. Edward Bulkly, Mr. John Miller, Mr. Mar- 
maduke Matthews : With some others that might be 
named. These some of them staid not long before 
they removed, some into the neighboring colonies, 
some into Old England, and others to their eternal 
rest, whereby the said jurisdiction was wanting in a 
great measure for sometime of such a blessing : How- 
beit, the Lord hath since graciously raised up a sup- 
ply to divers of the said congregations, and more may 
be expected according to his promises. 

1643. 

This year Mr. William BradfoJd was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Flymonih : And Mr. 
Edward Winslow, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. Vvilliam 
Collier, Mr. Timothy Ilatherh, Mr. John Brown, 
Mr. Edmund Freeman, and Mr. William Thomas, 
were chosen liis assistants in government. 

This year about the eighteenth day of April, died 
Mr. William Brewster, the ruling elder of the church 
of Christ at Plymouth ; concerning whom, I could 
say much of mine own knowledge; but 1 shall con- 
tent myself only to insert the honorable testimony 
that Mr. W^illiam Bradford; deceased, hath left writ- 
ten with his own hand, concerning him. 

Saith he, my dear friend Mr. William Brewster 
was a man that had done and suffered much for the 
Lord Jesus, and the gospel's sake, and hath born his 
part in weal and wo, with this poor persecuted church 
above thirty six years, ia England, Holland, and in 
this wilderness; and done the Lord and them faith- 
ful service in his place and calling: And notwith- 



i 



standing the many troubles and sorrows he passed 
through, the Lord upheld hiu) to a great age ; he was 
four score and four years of age when he died ; he 
had this blessing added by the Lord to all the rest, to 
die in his bed in peace amongst the midst of his 
friends, who mourned and wept over him, and minis- 
tered what help and comfort they could unto him ; 
and he again recompensed them while he could: His 
sickness was not long, and until the last day thereof 
he did not wholly keep his bed, his speech continued^ 
until somewhat more than half a day before his death? 
and then failed him, and about nine or ten of the 
clock that evening he died without any pangs at all ; 
a few hours before, he drew his breath short, and 
some (ew minutes before his last, he drew his breath 
long, as a man fallen into a sound sleep, without any 
pangs or gasping, and so sweetly departed this life in- 
to a better. 

1 would now demand of any, what he was the worse 
for former sufferings ? What do I say worse? No, 
he was the better, and they now added to his honour. 
It was a manifest token (sailh the apostle Peter) 
1 Thes. i. 5, 6, 7, of the righteous judgment of God, 
that we might be counted worthy of the kingdom of 
God, for which we also suffer; seeing it is a righteous 
thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them 
that trouble you, and to you that are troubled, rest 
with us,'v.'hen the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from 
heaven with his mighty angels; and if you be re- 
proached (saith the apostle Peter) 1 Peter iv. 14, for 
the name of Christ, happy are ye, for the spirit of 
God and of gloiy shall rest upon you. What though 
he wanted the pleasures and riches of the world in 
this life, and pompous monuments of his funeral ? 
Yet the memorial of the just shall be blessed, when 
tlie name of the wicked shdl rot, Prov. x. 17, with 
their marble monuments. He was well educated in 
learning, as at inferior schools, so also at the univer- 
sity ; and from thence went to the court, and there 
12 



134 NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORIAL* 

served Mr. Davison a godly gentleman, and setretarj' 
of state to Queen Elizabeth, and attended him on his 
ambassage into Holland, and was employed by him 
in matters of great trust; as in keeping of the keys 
of the cautionary towns delivered up to him for her 
Majesty, and things of the like nature; his master 
would always in private confer with him as a friend 
or equal : He afterwards lived in good esteem in his 
own country, and did much good, until the troubles of 
those times enfoiced his remove into Holland, and so 
into New England, and was in both places of singular 
use and benefit to the church and people of Plymouth 
whereof he was; being eminently qualified for such 
•work as the Lord had appointed him unto, of which 
^I'.ould I speak particularly as I might, I should prove 
tedious: 1 shall content myself therefore only to have 
made honorable mention in general of so worthy a 
man. 

And here I might take occasion to mention with 
admiration, the marvellous providence of God, that 
notwithstan<^ing the many changes and hardships that 
this people, viz. the first planters at New Plymouth 
went through, and the many enemies they had, and 
difficulties they met withal, that so many of them 
should live unto very old age: It was not only this 
reverend man's condition, but many more of them 
did the like ; some dying before and about this time, 
and some living, who attained to sixty years of age, 
and to sixty-five, divers to seventy, and some to more 
than eighty as he did: It must needs be more than 
ordinary, and above natural reason that so it should 
be ; for it is found in experience, that chancing of 
air. famine, and unwholsome food, much drinking of 
water, sorrows and troubles, &c. all of them are ene- 
mies to health, causes of mu'h disease, consumers of 
natural vigour and the bodies of men, and shorteners 
of life; and yet of all these things they had a large 
part, and sutTered deeply in the same: They went 
from England to Holland, where they found both 



>IEW-ENGLANt>*S MEMORlALk i5i> 

W^rse air and diet than that they came from ; from 
thence, enduring a long imprisonment in the ships at 
sea, into New England, and how it hath heen with 
them here hath already been shewn, and what crosses, 
troubles, fears, wants and sorrows they have been lia- 
ble unto, easily to be discerned, so as in some sort 
they may say with the apostle, 1 Cor. xi. 26, 27. 
They were in journeys often, in perils of waters, in 
perils of robbers, in perils of their own nation, in per- 
ils amongst the heathen, in perils in the wilderness, 
in perils in the sea, in perils amongst false brethren, 
in weariness, in painfulness, in watching often, in 
hunger, in thirst, in fasting often, in cold and naked- 
ness. What was it then that upheld them? It was 
God's visitation that preserved their spirits; he that 
upheld the apostle upheld them, 2 Cor. iv. 9. They 
were persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but per- 
ished not, as unknown and yet known, as dying and 
behold w^e live, as chasened and yet not killed. 

God (it seems) would have all men behold such 
works of his providence, as these are towards his 
people, that they in like cases might be encouraged 
to depend upon him in their trials, and also bless his 
name when they see his goodness towards others. 
Man lives not by bread only ; Deut. vili. 3. It is 
not by dainty fare, peace, rest and heart's ease, in 
enjoying contentments and good things of this world 
only, that preserves health and prolongs life. God 
(in such examples) would have the world take notice 
that he can do without them ; and if the world will 
shut their eyes and take no notice thereof, yet he 
would have his people to see and consider it. Dan- 
iel could be in better liking with pulse, than with 
the king's dainties; Jacob, though he went from one 
nation to another people, and passed tlirough famine, 
fears and many afflictions, yet he lived unto old age, 
and died sweetly and rested in the Lord, as many 
others of God's senants liave done, and still do through 
God's goodness, notwithstanding all the malice of 



136 2fEW~ENGLAND's MEBTORlAlt. 

their enemies ; when the branch of the wicked shall 
be cut off before his day, and bloody and deceitful 
men shall not live out half their days, Job xv. 32, 
Psalm Iv. 23. 

By reason of the plotting of the Narragansets ever 
since the Pequot war, the Indians were drawn into a 
general conspiracy against the English in all parts, as 
was in part discovered the year before, and now made 
more plain and evident by many discoveries and free 
confessions of sundry Indians upon several occasions, 
concurring in one ; with such other concurring cir- 
cumstances as gave the English sufficiently to under- 
stand the truth thereof, and to think of nfieans how to 
prevent the same. In which respect, together with 
divers other and more weighty reasons, the four colo- 
nies, viz. the Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut 
and New Haven, entered into a near union and con- 
federation the nineteenth day of May, 1643. And 
the articles of the said confederation were signed by 
the commissioners of the said jurisdictions respective- 
ly, by which were authorized thereunto, viz. 1 John 
Wijithrop, Governor of the Massachusetts, 2 Thomas 
Dudley, 3 Edward Winslow, 4 William Collier, 5 Ed- 
ward Hopkins, 6 Thomas Grigson, 7 Theophilus 
Eaton, 8 George Fenwick. 

The said articles at large, with sundry other par- 
ticulars appertaining thereunto; together with the 
particulars concerning the plotting contrivements, 
menacings and insolencies of the Narragansets against 
the English, together with the provision and prepara- 
tion made by the English for an expedition against 
them, with the yieldings and compliance of the said 
Narragansets to the English, composition and articles 
of agreement made with them &c. These are all to 
be seen as they are at large extant in the records of 
the commissioners for the united colonies of New 
England, whereunto I refer the reader. (See acts of 
the commissioners for the united colonies of N. E. 
ai^no 1644, and 3 645.) 



KEW-EKGLAND*S MExMORIAL. 137 

1644. 

This 3^Car Mr. Edward Winslow was elected Gov- 
t^rnor of the jurisdiction of New I'iy mouth. Mr. Wil- 
iiurn Bradford, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. WilUam Col- 
lier, Mr. Timot!ty Hatherly, Mr. John Brown, xMr. 
William Thomas, and Mr. Edmuiid Freeman, weie 
elected assistants to him in government. 

This year Mr. John Atwood died, he was a godly 
man, singularly endowed with the grace of patience, 
and having a large estate, became a useful benefactor 
to the colony of New Plymouth. He departed this 
life, expressing great faith in Clirist, and a cheerful 
expectation of the restoration of his body at the gen- 
eral resurrection of glory. 

This year many of the town of Plymouth, by rea- 
son of some straits that were upon them, look up 
thoughts of removing to some other place, for their 
better accommodation, and for that end made a more 
exact and particular discovery of a place caiied by the 
Indians, Namset ; which place being purchased by 
them of the Indians, divers of the considerablest of 
the church and town removed tliither, and erected a 
town, which is now caiied by the name of Eastham. 

1645. 

This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymonih : And Mr* 
Edward Winsiow, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. William 
Collier, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hather- 
ly, Mr. John Brown, and Mr. Edmund Freeman, 
were chosen assistants to him in government. 

The Commissioners of the united colonies of New- 
England were called together this year, before their 
ordinary time of meeting, partly in regard of some 
difterences between the French and the government 
of the Massachusetts, about their aidmg of Monsieur 
Latere and Monsieur de Aulney, and partly about the 
Indians, who had broken their former agreements a- 



138 

bout the peace concluded the year before ; as concern- 
ing such conclusions and determinations which passed 
in this meeting, in reference to the premises, I shall 
refer the reader unto the acts of the said Commission- 
ers for tliat year, as they are recorded at large. 

1646. 

This 3^ear Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor of ^the jurisdiction of Plymouth : and Mr. 
Edward Winslow, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. William 
Collier, Captain Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hath- 
erly, and Mr. Edmund Freeman, were elected assist- 
ants in government. 

About the middle of May this year, there came 
three men of war into Plymouth harbour, under the 
command of Captain Thomas Cromwel, who had tak- 
en several prizes from the Spaniards, by commission 
from the Earl of Warwick. They were full of mon- 
ies, silks and other rich goods, some of which they 
left behind them. They were a company of lusty 
stout men, but very unruly and hard to govern; not- 
withstanding the care and vigilance both of such as 
were in authority of Plymouth, and also of their own 
commanders, who could hardly restrain them, espec- 
ially from inordinate drinking and quarreling: It 
proved fatal to one of them, who being quarreling 
with one of their own company, and being command- 
ed by their captain to forbear, he giving very provok- 
ing language, and also attempting to draw upon his 
captain, he took his rapier from him, and struck him 
on the head with the hilt, of which wound, three or 
our days after, he died. The Captain was tried by 
a council of war, and acquitted by the largeness of his 
commission. 

This year Mr. Edmund Winslow went for England, 
upon occasion that some discontented persons, under 
the government of the Massachusetts, sought to troub- 
le their peace, and disturb, if not innovate their gov- 
ernment, by laying many scandals upon them, and 



HEw-en6LAnd's memorial. 13d 

intended to prosecute against them in England, by 
petitioning and complaining to the parliament. Also 
Samuel Gorton and his company, made complaint a- 
gainst them ; so as they made choice of Mr. Winslow 
to be their agent to make their defence, and gave him 
commission and instructions for that end, in which he 
so carried himself, as did well answer their ends, and 
cleared them from any blame and dishonour, to the 
shame of their adversaries. After this he fell upon 
other employment in England, which detained him 
there, so as he returned not again to New England 
any more, whose absence hath been much to the 
weakening of the government of New Plymouth, who 
had large experience of his help and usefulness a- 
mongst tliem in government, &c. of whom 1 have 
more to insert in honour of so worthy a gentleman in 
its more proper place. 

1647. 

Mr. William Bradford was elected Governor of the 
jurisdiction of New Plymouth ; Mr. Edward Wins- 
low, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. William Collier, Mr. 
Timothy Hatherly, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. John 
Brown, and Mr. William Thomas, were elected assist- 
ants in government. 

This year the whole land, but more especially the 
church and town of Hartford, in Connecticut, sustain- 
ed a great and more than ordinary loss, by the death 
of that most eminent servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. 
Thomas Hooker, who in the month of July in this 
year, changed this life for a better ; concerning whose 
piety, learning, and singular dexterity in preaching 
the gospel with answerable success, the many souls 
wrought upon by his ministry in both Old England 
and New, do give forth a large testimony ; and withal, 
as an addition to the former, those learned and profit- 
able works penned by him for the refutation of error, 
and guiding and confirming of*the saints in the waj^s 
of Christ : In which respects, with others, his name 



•140 

will live, and is embalmed ; and doth remain, and will 
be as a precious uinlment in the chufches, and a- 
mongst the saints, in present and future ages. 

This special servant of Christ, as he served his mas- 
ter with great zeal, love, wisdom and sincerity ; so 
he ended liis life with much comfort and serenity ; so 
as it is rare that was said of him, that the peace which 
he had in believing thirty yeari^ before his death, was 
firm and not touched by the adversary until the period 
of his life : And with much joy and peace in believ- 
ing he fell asleep in the Lord, and was honourably 
buried at Hartford, in Connecticut, 

In whose memorial, I shall here insert the funeral 
elcjjies of two eminent divines, written upon his 
death. 

On my reverend and dear brother^ Mr. Thomas Hooker^ 
late pastor of the church at Harifordon Connecticut, 

To see lliree tliint^s was holy Austin's wish, 
Romr in her flow«^r, Chrisl Jesus in tiie f(«^sh, 
And Paul i' the pulpit: Lately men might see. 
Two first, and more, in H oker's ministry. 

ZioD in beauty, is a fairer sigit, 
Than Rome in flower, with all h^r g-lory dight : 
Ye! Zion's ber-:uty did most clearly shiiie 
In Hooker's ruie and doctrine : both divine. 

Christ in the spirit, is more than Christ in flesh, 
Our souis to quicken, and onr states to bless ! 
Yet Christ in spirit brake forii* mightily, 
In faithful Hooker's searching ministry. 

Paul in the pulpit. Hooker coird not teach ; 
Yet did he Christ in spirit so lovely preach; 
That living hearers thought he did inherit 
A double portion of Taul's lively spirit. 

Prudent in rule, in f;rg-umcnt quick, full : 
Fervent in pra}er, in preaching powerful ; 
That well did ioarneJ Amos record bear, 
The like to hirn he never wont to bean 



new-england's memorial. 141 

That ofGeneva's worthies said with wonder, 
(Those worthies three) Farell was wont to thunder-; 
Viret, like rain, on tender g-rass to shower.; 
But Calvin, lively oracles to pour. 

AU these in Hooker's spirit did remain, 
A son of thunder, and a shower of rain, 
A pourer forth of lively oracles. 
In saving- souls the sum of miracles. 

Now blessed Hooker, thou art set on high, 
Above the thankless world, and cloudy sky : 
Do ihouofall thy labour reiip the crown, 
Whilst we here reap the seed which thou hast sown. 

J. C. 

A lamentation for the death of that precious and worthy 
minister of Jesus Christy Mr, Thomas Hooker^ who died 
July 7, 1647, as the sun was sitting : The same hour 
of the day died blessed Calvin^ that glorious light. 

Come sighs, come sorrows, let's lament this rod, 
"Which hath bereav'd us of this man of God : 
A man of God, who came from God to men, 
And now from them is gone to God again. 
Bid joy depait, bid merriment be gone : 
Bid friends stand by, sit sorrowful alone. 
But ah ! What sorrow can be to sutfice. 
Though heaven and earth were filled with our cries, 
The clouds were turned into drops of tears, 
The mourning for to last an age of year ? 
'Twere all too little to lament his death. 
Whose life so precious was for heaven and earth. 
Job wish'd his day might quite forgotten be, 
Which brought him forth this world's light first to see. 
O let not the day number'd be i' th' year, 
That took this tight of onr hemisphere. 
A fatal day, a day of sad presage 
To us survivers of this present age. 
The hour of thy decease, when sun went down. 
When light turn'd dark, when heavens began to frown : 
*Tis ominous to us who saw his light. 
That grace provok'd should turn our day to night ; 
And gospel's light which shioeth from on high 
Should clouded be. and darkened in our sky. 
O happy days, when such lights shone on earth ! 
O bitter days, when they are hid beneath ! 



3 42 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 

This is our grief, He who late shin'd on high, 

Is iiid in grave, and now beneath doth He. 

ILit't Hartford sigh, and say, I've lost a treasure ; 

Let all New Eng-land mourn at God's displeasure. 

In taking' from us one moi'e g'racious 

Than is the gold of Ophir precious. 

Sweet was the savour which Ins grace did give, 

It season'd all the place where he did live. 

His name did as an ointment give its smell, 

And all bare witness that it savour'd well. 

Wisdom, love, meekneas, friendly courtesy, 

Kach moral virtue, with rare pie tj', 

Pure zeal, yet mixt with mildest clemency, 

Did all conspire in this one breast to lie. 

Deep was his knowledge, judgment was acute, 

His doctrine solid, which none could confute. 

To mind he gave light of intelligence. 

And search'd the corners of the conscience. 

To sinners stout, which no law could bring under, 

To them he was a son of dreadful thunder. 

When all strong oaks of Bashan us'd to quake, 

And fear did Lebanus his cedars shake ; 

The hearts he tilled full of fears. 

He clave the rocks, they melted into tears. 

Yet to sad souls, with sense of sin cast down, 

He was a son of consolation. 

Sweet peace be gave to such as were contrite ;, 

Their darkness sad he turn'd to joyous light. 

Of preaching he bad learn'd the rightest art. 

To every one dividing his own part. 

Each ear that heard him, said, He spake to me : 

So piercing was his holy ministry. 

His life did shine, lime's changes stain'd it not 

Envy itself could not there find a spot. 

Had he surviv'd to finish works begun, 

'T had been a blessing to all Ciiristendotn. 

Then should the world have known what God had sbow'd hira. 

And what themselves for ail his works hadow'd him. 

But this unthankful age is now cut short 

Of that rich treasure, 'cause they car'd not for't. 

O that his love may turn us, yet to prize 

The blessings yet enjoyed : Hei-ein be v/ise : 

Lest that which he not long ago foretold, 

Be now in us fulfill'd, as 'twas of old, 

That wantonness of churches, would bereave 

Them of their ministers^ v^ithout their leave. 

God plaguing this his messenger's contempt. 

With this soul-'stroying plague and punishment. 



jcew-england's memorial. Ht" 

But wliatsoever wrath doth ns abide, 

Whatever plag'ue fo<- sin doth ds betide. 

Yei Ihoo, O blesseu sriiU, art uow at rest, 

r th' bosom of thy Ciuist, which is the best. ^ 

Bathing- in rivers ol' divine pleasure, 

Which is at God's i igiit hand, most sweet and pure ; 

Tasting- the fruit of ali thy hibours spent, 

To honour God, which was thy whole intent. 

Fron-j God thou earnest forth, who sent thi e hither, 

And now hulh call'd thee back to live tog-ctber : 

Iliui didst tlioii serve while iife and brealii did last. 

With him now blest, while life and breath is past. 

Sense of oiir loss would call thee back ag-aiu. 

But out of love, we hid thee there remain, 

Till we yet left behind our course fuifil, 

To meet thee on the top of Zion's hill ; 

Whtn thou and we shall both rejoice together, 

So fast united as no death shall sever ; 

Both to sing- praists to our heavenly King, 

Who hath us saved from death's poisonous sting. 

And will restore our bodies from itu: grave. 

Which them to dust of death consumed liave; 

Making them siiine like brightness of the sun 

With glory, ne'er to end when once begun. 

Let Heaven, and earth, Angels and men him praise. 

Sounding his glory past all length of days. P. B. 

1648. 

This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : And Mr. 
Thomas Prince, Mr. William Collier, Capt. Miles 
Standish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. John Brown, 
Mr. William Thomas, were chosen assistants to him 
in government. 

1649 

This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov. 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr- 
Thomas Prince, Mr. William C'.dlier, Capt. Miles 
Standish, Mr. Timothy Hathcrl} , Mr. John Brown, 
and Mr. William Thomas, were elected his assistants 
in government. 

This year Mr. John Winthrop, Governor of the 



144 new-england's memoriai.. 

jurisdiction of the Massachusetts deceased, the twea. 
tj-sixth day of March, about ten of the clock. He 
was singular for piety, wisdom, and of a public spir- 
it : He brought over a great estate into the country, 
and partly by his liberality, and partly by the un- 
faithfulness of his baily, spent the most part of it ; so 
as when he died, he was but low in that respect ; and 
yet notwithstanding, very much honoured and belov- 
ed of the most, and contiijuid in the place of gover- 
nor, for the most part until his death. He was a man 
of unbiassed justice, patient in respect of personal 
wrongs and injuries, a great lover of the saints, espec- 
ially able ministers of the gospel; very sober in de- 
siring, and temperate in improving earthl}'" content- 
ments ; very humble, courteous and studious of gen- 
eral good. His body was, with great solemnity and 
honour, buried at Boston, in New England, the third 
of April, 1649. 

This year some part of the country was much 
troubled with innumerable hosts of catterpillars, 
which destroyed the fruits of the earth, in divers pla- 
ces, and did eat off the leaves of (rces, so as they look- 
ed as bare as if it had been winter ; and in some pla- 
ces did eat the leaves from off the pease straw, and did 
not eat the pease. It pleased God to give them a 
check, and a rebuke, so as they hurt but in some pla- 
ces, and of his goodness in a short time removed them. 

This year, August 25, thai faithful and eminent 
servant of Christ, Mr. Thomas Shepard, died, who 
was a soul searching minister of the gospel, and pas- 
tor of the church of Christ at Cambridge. By his 
death not only that church and peop'e, but also all 
New-England, sustained a very great loss ; he not 
only preached the gospel profitably and successfully, 
but also hath left behind him divers worthy works of 
special use, in reference unto the clearing up the 
state of the soul to God ward; the benefit thereof, 
those can best experienre, whr> are mcst conversiant 
in the improving of them, and have God's blessing on 



145 

them therein to their souls' good. His body was 
honourably buried at Cambridge, in New England. 

Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, for their 
works follow them, Rev. xiii. 13. 

This year there passed an Act of Parliament in 
England, for the promoting and propagating the gos- 
pel of Jesus Christ amongst the Indians in New Eng- 
land ; in reference unto the furtherance and advance- 
ment of so good a work ; a corporation of sixteen se- 
lectmen were appointed, consisting of a president, 
treasurer, and assistants, called by the name of the 
president and society for the propagation of the gos- 
pel in New England, to receive such sums of money, 
as from time to time was, or should be collected and 
raised by the liberal contributions of such as whose 
hearts God was pleased to stir up to so glorious a 
work ; and it was by the same parliament enacted, 
that the commissioners for the united colonies of New 
England, for the time being, by themselves or such as 
they shall appoint, shall have power and authority to 
receive and dispose of the said monies brought in and 
paid to the said treasurer for the time being, or any 
other monies, goods or commodities acquired and de- 
livered by the care of the said corporation at any 
time ; whose receipt or receipts of such person or per- 
sons so authorised by them, shall be a sufficient dis- 
charge to the said corporation and treasurer. The 
particulars of such orders and instructions, with which 
the said act is invested, the reader may be more amply 
satisfied in, by the perusal thereof, as it is extant, 
bearing date July 27, 1649. 

Moreover, let the reader take notice of the special 
favour of Almighty God, in moving the heart of the 
King's Majesty, since his restitution to his crown and 
real dignity, particularly of his royal favour to coun- 
tenance this work, and to secure what hath been, and 
what may be given toward this work, by a legal set- 
tlement, which before was wanting ; so as the said 
glorious design hath been vigorously carried on, both 
13 



146 NEW-ENGLANd's MEMORTAt* 

in Old England and in New, by such active and faitJi- 
M instruments as God hatli raised up and improved 
therein, with some considerable success. The work 
coming on to such perfection, as that the holy bible is 
translated and printed in the Indian language, where- 
by the glad tidings of the gospel is, and may be com- 
municated to them with the greater facility : Some 
souls also of them being gained (as may be hoped) 
to believe on the Lord Jesus for lite everlasting ; and 
daily hopes of further and greater success in tl»at be- 
half, for which unspeakable riches of his grace, let 
his holy name have all the praise throughout all ages. 
The principal instruments improved in preaching 
the gospel of Christ unto the Indians, are IVlr. John 
Elliot, sen. Mr. John Elliot, jun. Mr. Thomas May- 
hew, Mr. Pierson, Mr. Brown, Mr. James, Mr. Cotton, 
besides divers of their own nation, whose names and 
number I know not. • 

1650. 

This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Pl3'mouth : Mr. Ed- 
ward Winslow, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr, William Col- 
lier, Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, 
JMr. John Brovvn, and Mr. William Thomas, were e- 
lected assistants in government. 

This year there was more than ordinary mortality 
in the country, especially about Boston, and mostly 
amongst their children : (New diseases the fruits of 
new sins) Since which time, several diseases have 
been in the country more frequently than formerly; 
as namely, gripings in the bowels, with violent vomit- 
ing and purging, which hath taken away many ; as 
also a disease in the mouth or throat, which hath 
proved mortal to some in a very short time ; as also 
great distempers of colds, &:c. which ought to be a- 
wakening dispensations, together with others, to cause 
us to consider and examine whether we have not pro- 
voked the Lord with some general and unwonted 



sins ; inasmuch as be is^ pleased to exercise the coun- 
try oftentimes with unwonted afflictions and punish- 
ments. 

1651. 

This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor ol the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. 
Thomas Prince, Mr. William Collier, Capt. Miles 
Standish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. John Brown, 
Mr. John Alden, and Capt. Thomas Willet, were 
chosen his assistants in government. 

This year Mr. William Thomas expired his natu- 
ral life, in much peace and comfort : He served in 
place of magistracy, in the jurisdiction of Plymouth, 
divers years ; he was a well approved and a well 
grounded christian, well read in the holy scriptures. 
and other approved authors, and a good lover and ap- 
prover of godly ministers and good christrians, and 
one that had a sincere desire to promote the common 
good both of church and state. He died of a con- 
sumption, and was honourably buried at Marshfield. 
in the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. 

1652. 

This 3'ear Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : And Mr. 
Thomas Prince, Capt. Miles Sjtandish, Mr. Timothy 
Hatherly, Mr. John Brown, Mr. John Alden, Capt, 
Thomas Willet, and Capt. Thomas Southward, were 
chosen to be his assistants in government. 

This year that blessed servant of God, Mr. John 
Cotton, died ; he was sometimes preacher of God's 
word at Boston, in Lincolnshire, and from thence 
came over into New England, in the year 1633, and 
was chosen teacher of the first church of Christ at 
Boston. [Of Mr. Cotton's life, Mr, Norton hath 
penned a book, whereunto I refer the reader for more 
full relation of the same.] For which function and 
office he was greatly enriched with giftts and abilities^ 



148 new-england's memorial. 

being an able expounder, and faithful applier of the 
word of God; furnished also with wisdonn and pru- 
dence to go before the church, in the ordering of the 
affairs thereof; endowed with meekness of spirit, 
whereby he was fitted to compose such differences 
as did at any time arise amongst them : He was very 
patient also in respect unto personal wrongs or inju- 
ries done unto himself, yea, toward his sharpest an- 
tagonists. An influence of good not only flowed from 
him unto the church over whom he was set, but also 
into all the churches in New England, (as necessity 
required.) About the time of his sickness, there ap- 
peared in the heavens, over New England, a comet, 
giving a dim light ; and so waxed dimmer and dim- 
mer until it became quite extinct and went out, 
which time of its being extinct, was soon after the 
period of his life ; It being a very signal testimony, 
that God had then removed a bright star, a burning 
and a shining light out of the heaven of his church 
here, unto celestial glory above. He was buried at 
Boston in New England, with great honour and lam- 
entation, in the year above written. 

Upon whose never enough deplored death, were 
made these verses following. 

A Funeral Elegy upon the, death of the truly reverend Mr. 
John Cotton, late teacher of the church of Christ at Bos- 
ton, in New England. 

And after Winthrop's, Hooker's, Shepard's hearse, 
Doth Cotton's death call for a mourning verse ? 
Thy will be done : Yet Lord who dealest thus, 
Make this great death expedient for us. 
Luther puli'd down the Pope, Calvin the Prelate flew : 
Of Calvin's lapse, chief cure to Cotton's due. 
Cotton whose learning, temper, godliness, 
'J'he German Phoenix, lively did express. 
Melancthon's all, may Luther's word but pass ; 
Melancthon's all, in our great Cotton was. 
Than him iu flesh, scarce dwelt a better one : 
So great's our loss, when such a spirit's gone. 
Whilst he was here, life was more life to me ; 



NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMORlAt. 149 

Now he is not, death hence less death shall be. 

That comets, great men's deaths do oft forego, 

This present comet doth too sadly show. 

Tills prophet dead, jet must in's doctrine speak, 

Tills comet sailh, else must New Eng-land break. 

Whate'erit be, the Heavtns aver it far, 

Thai meteors should succeed our greatest star. 

In Boston's orb, VViuthrop and Cotton were; 

These lig-hts extinct, dnrk is our hemisphere. 

In Boston once how much stiiu'd of our glory, 

We now lament, posteiity will story. 

L^'t n<jS(on live, who had, and saw tiieir worth : 

An-^ did them honour, both i-i life and death. 

To him Nevv England trust in this distress, 

Who will not leave his exiles comfortless. J. IV. 

Upon the Tomb of the most reverend Mr, John Cotton^ 
late teacher of the church of Boston^ in New England* 

Here lies magnanimous humility. 
Majesty, meekness, christian apathy 
On soft affections ; liberty in thrall : 
A noble spirit, servant unto all. 
Learning's great master-piece ; who yet would sit 
As a disciple at his scholars' feet. 
A simple serpent, or serpentine dove, 
Made up of wisdom, innocence and love. 
Neatness embroider'd with itself alone ; 
And civils canonized in a gown : 
Embracing old and young, and low and high ; 
Ethics embodied in divinity. 
Ambitious to be lowest, and to raise 
His brethren's honour on his own decays. 
Thus doth the sun retire into his bed, 
That being gone, the stars may shew their head. 
Could wound at argument without division ; 
Cut to the quick, and yet make no incision ; 
Ready to sacrifice domestic notions 
To churches peace, and ministers devotions. 
Himself indeed (and singular in that) 
Whom all admired, he admired not. 
Liv'd like an Angel of a mortal birth, 
Convers'd in heaven while he was on earth : 
Though not (as Moses) radiant with light, 
Whose glory dazzled the beholders sight ; 
Yet so divinely beautify 'd, you'd count 
He had been born and bred upon the inonn4» 
13* 



150 NEW- England's memorial. 

A living-, breathing- bible : Tables where 
Both covenants at larg-e eng-raven were ; 
Gospel and law Id's beait had each its column, 
His headman imlex to the sacred volume. 
His very name a title page; and next, 
His life a commentary on the text. 

what a monument of glorious worth, 
When in a new edition he comes forth, 
Without erratas, may we think he'll be, 
In leaves and covers of eternity I 

A man of might at heavenly eloquence, 
To fix the ear, and charm the conscience ; 
As if Apollos were revived in him. 
Or he had learned of a Seraphim. 
Spake many tongues in one : One voice and sense 
Wrought joy and sorrow, fear and confidence. 
Rocks rent before him, blind received their sight ; 
Souls l3vell'd to the dunghill, stood upright. 
Infernal furies burst with rage to see 
Their pris'ners capliv'd into liberty. 
A star that in our eastern England rose, 
Thence hurry'd by the blast of stupid foes, 
Whose foggy darkness, and benumbed senses, 
Brook'd not his daz'hng fervent influences. 
Thus did he move on earth from east to west ; 
There he went down, and up to Heaven for rest. 
Nor from himself, whilst living doth he vary, 
His death hatli made him an ubiquitary : 
Where is his sepulchre is hard to tell. 
Who in a thousand sepulchres doth dwell ; 
(Their hearts, 1 mean, whom he hath left behind,) 
In them his sacred relique's now enshrin'd. 
But let his mourning flock be comforted, 
Though Moses be, yet Joshua is not dead : 

1 mean renowned Norton ; worthy he 
Successor to our Moses is to be, 

O happy Israel in America, 

In such a Moses such a Joshua. B. W., 

1653. 

Mr. William Bradford, was elected Governor of the 
jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. Thomas Prince, 
Capt. Miles Standish, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. 
John Brown, Mr. John Alden, Capt. Thomas Willef, 
and Lieut. Thomas Southworth, were elected his as- 
sistants in governmeDt. 



151 

Mr. Thomas Dudley, who was a principal founder 
and pillar of the colony of Ihe Massachusetts, in New 
England, and sundry tinnes governor and deputy gov- 
ernor of that jurisdiction, died at his house in Hox- 
bury, July 31, in the seveuty-sev* nth year of his age : 
He was a person of a quick understanding, and solid 
judgment in the fear of the Lord. He was a lover of 
justice, order, the people, christian religion, the su- 
prenne virtues of a good magistrate. 1. His love to 
justice appeared at all times, and in special upon the 
judgment seat, without respect of persons in judg- 
ment: And in his own particular transactions, with 
all men, he was exact and exemplary. 2. His zeal to 
order appeared in contriving good laws, and faithfully 
executing them upon criminal offenders, heretics, and 
underminers of true religion. He had a piercing 
judgment to discover the wolf, though clothed with a 
sheep skin. 3. His love to the people was evident 
in serving them in a public capacity many years, at 
his own cost, and that as a nursing father to the 
churches of Christ. 4. He loved the true christian 
religion, and the pure worship of God, and cherished, 
as in his bosom, all godly ministers and christians : 
He was exact in the practice of piety, in his person 
and family all his life ; in a word, he lived desired, 
and died lamented by all good men. 

The verses following were found In his pocket after 
his death, which may further illustrate his character 
and iiive a taste of his poetical fancy ; wherein (it is 
said) he did excel. 

Dim ej-es, deaf ears, cold storaach shew 
My dissolnlioQ is in view. 
Eleven times seven near lived have I, 
And now God calls, I willing die : 
My sliiittle's shot, my race is run, 
My sun is set, my deed is done ; 
My span is measur'd, tale is told, 
My flower is faded and grown old, 
My dream is vanisli'd, shadow's fled. 
My soul with Christ, iny body dea^, 



152: ifEW-ENG land's memorial. 

Farewell dear wife, children and friendsj 
Ilatc heresy, make ble-sed ends ; 
Bear poverty, Itvevvitli good men, 
So shall we meet with joy ag-aio. 

Let men of God in courts and cliurches watch 

O'er such as do a toleration hatch ; 

Lest that il! tgg- brin^- forth a cockatrice, 

To poison all with heresy and vice. 

If men be left, and t<tlier\vise combine, 

My Epitaph's, i dy^d no libertine. 

This year Mr. John Lajthrop did put oflfhis earth- 
ly tabernacle : He was somi times preacher of God's 
word in Egerton in Kent, from whence he went to 
London, and was chosen pastor of a church of Ciirist 
there ; he was greatly troubled and imprisoned for 
witnessing? against the errors of the times: During 
the time of his imprisonment, his wife fell side, of 
which sickness she died. He procured Hberty of the 
Bishop to visit his wife before her death, and com- 
mended her to God by prayer, who soon after gave 
up the ghost. At his return to prison, his poor chil- 
dren, being many, repaired to the Bishop to Lam- 
beth, and made known unto him their miserabia con- 
dition, by reason of their good father his being con- 
tinued in close durance; who commiserated their con- 
dition so far, as to grant him his liberty, who soon af- 
ter came over into New Englar)d, and settled for some 
timeat the town of Scituate, and was chosen pastor 
of their church, and faithfully dispensed the word of 
God amongst them : And afterwards the said church 
dividing, a part whereof removed to Barnstable, he 
removed with them, and tliere remained until his 
death. He was a man of an humble and broken heart 
and spirit, lively in dispensation of the word of God, 
studious of peace, furnished with godly contentment, 
willing to spend and to b^; spent for the cause and 
church of Christ. He fell asleep in the Lord, No- 
vember 8, 1653. 



"new-england's memorial. 153 

1654. 

This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiciion of ISew Plymouth : Mr* 
Thomas Prince, Captain Miles Slandish, Mr. William 
Collier, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. John Broun, 
Mr. John Alden, and Captain Thomas Willet, were 
elected assistants to him in government. 

1655. 

This year Mr. William Bradford was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth: And Mr. 
Thomas Prince, Mr. William Collier, Mr. Timothy 
Hatherly, Captain Miles Standish, Mr. John Brown, 
Mr. John Alden, and Mr. Thomas Willet, were chos- 
en assistants to him in government. 

This year that worthy and honorable gentleman 
Mr. Edward Winslow, deceased; of whom I have 
had occasion to make honorable mention formerly 
in this discourse. He was the son of Edward Win- 
slow, Esq. of the town of Draughtwich, in the county 
of Worcester. He travelling into the low countries, 
in his journeys fell into acquaintance with the church 
of Leyden, in Holland, unto whom he joined, and 
with whom he continued until they parted to come 
into New England, he coming with that part that 
came first over, and became a very worthy and use- 
ful instrument amongst them, both in place of gov- 
ernment and otherwise, until his last voyage for 
England, being sent on special employments for gov- 
ernment of the Massachusetts, as is aforementioned in 
this book ; and afterwards was emplo3'ed as one of 
the grand commissioners in that unhappy design 
against Domingo, in Hispaniola, who taking grief for 
tlie ill success of that enterprise; on which, together 
with some other infirmities that were upon him, he 
fell sick at sea, betwixt Domingo and Jamaica, and 
died the 8th day of Maj-, which was about the sixty- 
first year of his life, and his body was honorably 



154 new-england's memorial. 

committed to the sea, with the usual solemnity of 
the discharge of forty-two pieces of ordnance. 

One of the company, who was employed in taking 
notice of the particulars of that tragedy, gave such 
testimony of the said Mr. Winslow, as followelh in 
this poem : 

The eig-hth of May, west from 'Spaniola shore, 
God took from us our grand comtnissioaer, 
Winslow bj name, a mau in cliiefest trust, 
Whose life was sweet, and conversation just ; 
Whose parts and wisdom most men did excel : 
An honor to his place, as all can tell. 

1656. 

Mr. William Bradford was elected Governor of the 
jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. Thomas Prince, 
Mr. William Collier, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Captain 
Miles Standish, Mr. John Alden, Captain Thomas 
Willet, and Captain James Cudworth, were chosen 
his assistants in government. 

This year Captain Miles Standish expired his mor- 
tal life. He was a gentleman, born at Lancashire, 
and was heir apparent unto a great estate of lands 
and livings, surreptiously detained from him, his 
great grandfather being a second or younger brother 
from the house of Standish. In his ^-ounger time he 
went over into the low countries, and was a soldier 
there, and came acquainted with the church at Ley- 
den, and came over into New England, with such of 
them as at the first set out for the planting of the 
plantation of New Plymouth, and bare a deep share 
of their first difficulties, and was always very faithful 
to their interest. He growing^ ancient, became sick 
of the stone or strangury, whereof, after his suffering 
of much dolorous pain, he fell asleep in the Lord, and 
was honorably buried at Duxbury. 

1657. 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince vvas chosen Govern* 
or of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. William 



new-england's memorial. 155 

Collier, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Mr. John Alden, 
Captain Thomas Willet, Captain James Cudworth, 
Captain Josiah Winslow, Lieut. Thomas Southworth, 
were chosen his assistants in government. 

This year it pleased God to put a period to the life 
of his precious servant Mr. VVilliam Bradford, who 
was the second Governor of the jurisdiction of Plym- 
outh, and continued in the same place for the most 
part of his time, with little intermission. Concern- 
ing whom, the following potrns were made, the one 
hy himself, and the other by such as were well ac- 
quainted with his worth and excellency, will give a 
large testimony thereof. 

Certain verses left hy the honored William Bradford^ Esq, 
Governor of the jurisdiction of Plymouth^ peiined hy his 
own hand^ declaring the gracious dispensations ofGod'^s 
providence towards him in the time of his life, and his 
preparation and fittedness for death. 

From my years young- in days of youth, 

God did make knoM u to me his truth, 

^nd called me from my native place 

For to enjoy tlie means of grace. 

In wilderness he did me guide, 

And in strai)ge lands for me provide. 

In fears and wiints, through weal and wo, 

A pilgrim past I to and fro : 

Ofl left of them whom I did trust ; 

How vain it is to rest on dust ! 

A man of sorrows 1 have been, 

And many chang-es I have seen, 

Wars, wants, peace, plenty have I known ; 

And some advanc'd, othars thrown down. 

The humble, poor, chetrful and glad; 

Rich, discontent, sour and sad : 

When fears and sorrows have been mixt, 

Consolations come betwixt. 

Faint not, poor soul, in God still trust, 

Fear not the things thou suffer must; 

For, whom he loves he doth chastise, 

And then all tears wipe from their eyes. 

Farewell, dear children whom I love,. 

Your better father is above . 



156 new-england's memorial. 

When I am g"one, he can supply ; 
To him 1 leave you when I die. 
Fear him in truth, walk in liis ways, 
Aud he will bless yotj all ^ollr days. 
My days are spent, olu r<g-t' is cojne, 
My strcng-th it fails, uiy gLss near run: 
Now I will wait when work is done, 
Until my happy change s'nall come, 
"When from my labours I shall rest 
With Christ above for to be blest. 

Bijl thi honored Major Josiah Winslow^ on the said Mr, 

Wdl'am Bradford^ its followeth, 

WILLIAM BRADFORD. Anagr. 

/ made lazofnr bridP. 

For lazo I made bridV, 

Sec how God honored hath this worthy's name, 
To make it spell his virtue, and proclaim 
His rare endowments, us'd for God and us : 
Now such as honor God, he'll honor thus. 

Both just and g-entle, merciful and just ; 
And yet a man, and yet compos'd of dust ? 
Yes, God within these slender walls can find 
A noble, virtuous, studious, active mind. 

God was the guider of his childhood, youth ; 
God did preserve him in the truth, 
And g-ave him grace to own him when but young, 
Who afterward he made a champion strong. 

For to defend his people, and his cause, 
By wisdom, justice, prndence, and by laws ; 
And most of all by his own good example, 
A pattern fit to imitate most ample. 

If we should trace bim from the first, we find 
He flies his country, leaves his friends behind ; 
To follow God, and to profess his ways, 
And here encounters hardships many days. 

He is content (with Moses) if God please, 
(Renouncing honor, profit, pleasure, ease) 
To suflTer tossings and unsettlements. 
An it their rage doth rise to banishment. 

Ke weighs it not, so he may still preserve 

His conscience clear, and with God's people serfe 



^eW-£]<rGLANr>'S MEMORIAL. f&7 

Him freely, 'cording- to his mind and will, 
If not in one place, he'll go forward slill. 

If God have work for him i' th' ends of th" earthy 
Safe, danger, hunger, colds, nor an}' dearth ; 
A howling' wilderness, nor savage men, 
Discourage him he'll follow God again. 

And how God hath made him an instrument 
To us of quiet, peace and settlement; 
I need not speak ; Ihe eldest, youngest know, 
God honored him with greater work than so. 

To si^m up all, in this he still went hence. 
This man was wholly God's : His recompense 
Remains beyond expression, and he is 
Gone to possess it in eternal bliss. 

He's happy, happy thrice ; unhappy we 
That still remain more changes here to see : 
Let's not lament that God hath taken him. 
From troubles hence, in seas pf joys to swim. 

Let's not lament his gracious life is ended, 
And he to life of glory is attended ; 
Nor let us grieve that now God's work isdonCj 
In making him a happy blessed one. 

But let's bewail that we have so neglected 
Duty to God ; or men have disrespected. 
With earnest lamentation let's lament ; 
And whilst we may let's seriously repent. 

That we have not improved as we might, 
For God, and for o.irselves, this worthy wight; 
And now that God hath Moses tak'n away, 
Let's pray that he would give us Joshua; 

To go before the camp, and to subdue 
God's and his people's foes ; whatever crew 
Oppose ourjournef to that land of rest. 
Which 'till obtain'd-, were never truly blest. 

And for our better progress in this course, 
Let now our great necessity enforce 
Each man to study peace, and io improve 
His greatest streop-th \n re-unite in love. 
The hearts and the ff ( lions of us all, , 

Lest by our faults, God's work totb' ground sbow'dfalh 
14 



158 n£w-england's memorial^' 

W hy mourns the people thus forme, since I 

I n heaven dwell shall to eternity ? 

Let not so many tears fall from my friends; 

liive holy, happy, God will recompense 

I nto your bosoms all your love ag^aio, 

A nd your affections whilst I did remain 

M ongst you, but now you must refrain. 

Bear up your hearts, dear hearts, when thoug-htsofme 

R un in your minds, witii this the time will be, 

A nd every hour bring's it on apace, 

D ear friends, when we forever shall embrace. 

F arewell but for a season then, farewell ; 

O ur next embraces shall the rest excel. 

R est happy children, friends, and tender wife, 

D eath but begins the g-odly's happy life. 

A few verses more added by one that zvas well acquainted 
701 th the worth of the said Mr. William Bradford* 

The nintli of May, about nine of the clock, 

A precious one God out of Plymouth took ; 

Governor Bradford then expir'd his breath, 

Was call'd away by force of cruel death. 

A man approv'd in town,-in church, in court, 

AVho so behav'd himself in godly sort 

For the full space of thirty-seven years, 

As he was means of turning many fears 

Away from thee, pooi Plymouth, where he spent 

The better part of lime that God him lent. 

Well skill'd he was in regulating laws. 

So as by law he could defend the cause 

Of poor distressed plaintiff, when be brought 

His case before him, and for help besought. 

Above all other men he loved those 

AVho gospel truths most faithfully unclose. 

Who were with grace and learning fully fraught^ 

Such as laboriously the gospel taught : 

Willing also to own, in his due place. 

The meanest saint, expressing gifts of grace. 

Sweet Brewster he is gone some time before, 

Wise Winslow whose death we lament so sore, 

And faithful Standish freed from horrid pain, 

To be with Christ, in truth, the greatest gain : 

Now blessed, holy Bradford a successor, 

Of blessed, holy Bradford the confessor, 

Is gone to place of rest, with many more 

Of precious ones, whom 1 might name, great store; 



i 



tmW-ENGLAND's MEMORIAL. 15^ 

And. commendation of eacli one have g-iven ; 

But what needs that? Their names are writ in heaven. 

And now, dear Lord, let us our time improve, 

To be with lliee in prayer much above. 

Oh save thy people ! Jlelp in time of need ; 

When all means fail, be thou in room and stead 

Of other helps, who fail when needed most; 

When greatest need, they then give up the ghost. 

And let thy servants their time still employ, 

That in the end they may attain such joy 

As may a fruit of true believing be, 

That we with Christ may reign eternally. 

This worthy gentleman was interred with the 
greatest solemnities that the jurisdiction to which he 
belonged was in a capacity to perform, many deep 
sighs, as well as loud, volleys of shot, declaring that 
the people were no less sensible of their own loss, 
who were surviving, than mindful of the worth *and 
honor of him that was deceased : You might now eas- 
ily discern a heavy heart in the countenance of every 
sober minded and considerate man ; for as you have 
heard in the three or four years last past, God v\as 
pleased greatly to weaken this poor tottering colon}' 
of Plymouth, by taking away several of the most use- 
ful props thereof, both in cliurch and civil state; 
some others who had been ofsingular use, now stoop- 
ing under infirmities of old age, could not be so ser- 
viceable as in time past ; and others removed so far 
from the centre of the government, that they could 
not, without great difficulties, attend their public con- 
cerns, nor could possibly so constantly as our necessi- 
ties required, which did greatly aggravate our troub- 
les, we were become weak when we had need of the 
greatest strength ; had lost many of our chieftains, 
when we stood in need of the best conduct and guid- 
ance : For, besides the troubles and changes that at- 
tended our native country, and mi^ht call for great 
circumspection in our walking in relation unto them ; 
we had also, at this very time, some amongst us that 
growing weary of the long peace and concord we en- 



wo NEW-ENG^AND^S l^EJ?ORlAt» 

joyed, and hoping to fish better in troubled waters^ 
when their bait might be talcen in, and the hook not 
easily discerned, would willingly have been ringing 
the changes in this jurisdiction ; also pretending a 
great zeal for liberty of conscience, but endeavoring 
to introduce such a liberty of will as would have 
proved prejudicial, if not destructive, to civil and 
church societies, and at the same time there arrived 
in the said colony many of that pernicious sect called 
Quakers, whose opinions are a composition of many 
errors, and whose practices tend greatly to the dis- 
turbance both of church and state ; many unstable 
people amongst us were leavened with their errors, 
and proved very troublesome to this as well as other 
colonies in New England. But the Lord many times 
delighteth to appear in the m'ount of his people's 
miseries, distresses and troubles, that his power and 
wisdom may appear when they are weakest, and that 
they may know that their salvation is from him. At 
such a time, and when the condition of the colony 
was such as hath been declared, God was pleased to 
mind it, even in its low estate, and when he had ta- 
ken to himself not only our Moses, but many of the 
ciders and worthies of our Israel, he hath not left us 
without a Joshua to lead us in the remaining part of 
pur pilgrimage. When the usual time for the renew- 
ing of our election of such as should govern us came, 
Mr. Thomas Prince was, by a unanimous vote, chos- 
en Goveinor; and although men's spirits were so 
distempered, as I have related, and it might have 
been expected that they would have been much divid- 
ed in their choice; yet God (who disposeth the lot 
that is cast into the lap) so disposed that all their 
votes concentered there, a good demonstration that 
he was chosen of God for us, and by his blessing made 
an instrument of much peace and settlement in this 
place, and to this people, in these times of trouble 
and confusion. The Lord also directing the freemen 
of this jurisdiction, at the same time, in their election 



NEW-ENGLAND 6 MEMORIAL. I C 1 

lo the choice of a discreet and able council, to fie as- 
siatant unto our said honored Governor iii this so 
weighty work, divers of them being descended of 
several of the honored magistrates deceased ; not only 
hearing their names, but having a large measure of 
their spirit bestowed on them, befitting them for such 
work ; so as through the goodness of God, those 
storm? th^t seemed to threaten the subversion of our 
all, and did at first prevail, to the disturbing and shak- 
ing of many towns and churches, and to the great 
discouragement of the ministers in divers places, do 
seem to be pretty well blown over; such uncomforta- 
ble jars (as have been sometimes thought uncurable) 
seem to be thoroughly reconciled and heaied, our 
towns for the most part supplied with godly and able 
ministers, and we sit under our vines and rigtrees in 
peace, enjoying both civil and religious liberties : For 
which goodness of the Lord, let his holy name be 
praised; and may he grant us so to improve our 
present opportunities, as he may have some suitable 
returns, and we may have cause to hope in his grace 
for the continuance of such favouis. 

This year that much honoured and worthy gentle- 
man, Mr. 1 heophilus Eaton, Governor of New Haven, 
deceased, who was very eminent both on a religious 
and civil account : His death proved a great blovv to 
that jurisdiction, and was seconded, not long after, 
with the loss of another precious man amongst them, 
viz. Mr. Francis Newman. 

In this year 1657, in the month of November, Mr. 
Garret sailed on a voyage for England, from Boston; 
in whose ship, amongst many considerable passengers 
tht re went Mr. Thomas May hew jun. of Martha's 
Vineyard, who was a very precious man: He was 
well skilled, and had attained to a great proficiency 
in the Indian language, and had a great propensity 
upon his spirit to promote God's glory in their con- 
versions, whose labours God blessed for the doing of 
much good amongst them; in which respect he was 

14* 



1G2 

very much missed amongst them, and bewailed by 
them, as also in reference unto the preaching of God's 
word amongst the English there. The loss of him 
was very great. Many other sad losses befel sundry 
others in the country, by the loss of that ship, both in 
their estates and dear relations, to the great grief and 
sadening the hearts of many. 

1658. 

Tins year ]\lr. Thomas Prince was elected Govern- 
or of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. William 
Collier, Mr. John Alden, Capt. Thomas VVillet, 
Capt. Josiah Winslow, Lieut. Thomas Southworth, 
Mr. William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hinkley, 
were chosen his assistants in government. 

This year there was a great earthquake in New 
England. 

Also Mr. Ralph Partridge died in a good old age, 
having for the space of forty vears dispensed the 
word of God with a very little impediment by sick- 
ness : His pious and blameless life became very ad- 
vantageous to his doctrine ; he was much honoured 
and loved by all that conversed with him. He was 
of a sound and a solid judgment in the main truths of 
Jesus Christ, and very able in disputation to defend 
them ; he was very singular in this, that notwithstand- 
ing the paucity and poverty of his flock, he continued 
in his work amongst them to the end of his life. He 
went to his grave in peace, as a shock of corn fullj 
ripe, and was honourably buried at Duxbury. 

In whose remembrance, one w ho was a true admir- 
er of his worth, presented these at his funeral. 

Not rag'e but ajre ; notag-e, bnt God's decree, 

Did call me hence, my Saviour Christ to see, 

And to embrace, and from his hand receive 

My crown of glory : Oh ! who would not leave 

A llattering' world, nay friends, or what's most dear, 

The saints communion that's enjoyed here, 

At once to have God, Christ, Saints, Angels all, 

To make complete, and sum our joys total ? 



kew-england's memorial. 163 

Now I behold God's g-lory face to face : 

Now I sit down with Ctuist, who've run my race ; 

Now J sing praise to God, and to the lainb ; 

Now I conipfiiiion to t.lje Angels am. 

Now I ijcliolJ with greatest joy n>v sons 

And daughters ali ; 1 mean converted ones : 

W'hicii i was instiumeutal in my place, 

To bring to God, but all of his Ire. grace. 

How 1 am changed, that of late was weak, 

Above the force of tS-itan now to break ? 

Huw am i changed, eon cf sorrow late, 

But now triumphing in my heavenly stale. 

How was I vex'u with pains, with griefs molested r 

How, in a moment, am 1 now invested 

"With rojal robes, with crowns, with diadems, 

With God's eternal love ? Such precious gems 

He hath in store for the(u his saints that are ; 

For sucli indeed he counts his jewels rare. 

Oh 1 brethren, sisters, neighbours, country, friendSj 

I'm now above you: Hark, lo lliem God sends, 

As yet surviving in their worthy ciiarge; 

Whose work it is God's vineyard to enlarge, 

God and m) conocience your experience knows, 

Whilst I WKS with jou, 1 was one of those 

Thai labour'd faithfully Gou's vineyard in. 

Sowing his seed, and plucking up of sin. 

Now IS tlie harvest to myseif indeed ; 

The Lord grant a supply' of one to feed 

Your souiswith heavenly food, and one to lead 

lu ways of God, until his courts yow tread. 

Next to God's love, my flock, love one another ; 

And next to Christ, preserve love to thy brother. 

Let ever precious be in your esteem 

God's hojy word ; and ^ uch as slight it deem 

Of serpents blood : Whatever they pretend, 

By no means to such blasphemies attend. 

Decline all wand'rings, iest from all you stray. 

If stepp'd aside, return in this your day : 

Keep close to God, so he that is most high 

Shall you preserve as apple of his eye. 

And give you peace on earth, Iranquillily, 

Mansions in heaven to eternity : 

Where we that death doth for a lime now sever, 

Shall meet, embrace, and shall not pari forever. 



164 new-england's memorial. 

R un is liis race, 

A nJ bis work done : 

L eft earthly place, 

P artiiJg-e h gone, 

H e's with the Father and the Son. 

P ure joys and constant do attend 
A 11 that so live, such is their end. 
R eturn he shall with Christ ag-ain, 
T o judge butfj just and sinful men. 
R ais'd is tliis bird of paradise : 
I oy heaven entered breaks the ice, 
D e.ilh under foot he trodden hath ; 
G race is to glory straitest path, 
E ver enjoys love free from wrath. 

This jear, on the last day of July, it pleased God 
that, by thunder aud lightning, one John Phillips, of 
JMairfhtieid, in the jurisdiction of Plymouth was sud- 
denly slain. 

Also in the month of August, it pleased God to take 
away, by death, iMr. William Paddy, who was a prec- 
ious servant of Christ, endu»;d with a meek and quiet 
spirit, of a courteous behaviour to all men, and was 
very careful to nourish an intimate communion with 
God : He was instrumental in his place for common 
good both in church (being sometimes by office a dea- 
con of the church of Plymouth) and in other respects 
very officious as occasion did require. He having a 
great temporal estate, was occasioned thereby to have 
abundance of business upon him : But when he was 
to put off his earthly tabernacle, he laid aside all his 
earthly in* umbrances and occasions, even as one would 
have taken off a garment, and laid it down ; and with- 
out any trouble of spirit (on that behalf) prepared him- 
self for his journey to the everlasUng mansions, pre- 
pared for him by hisLord&master in the highest heav- 
ens, whereof he was well assured ; as to the like ef- 
fect he spake to Mr. Norton, near unto the period of 
his life : And so falling asleep in the Lord, he was 
buried in Boston, with honour and great lamentatioa, 
in the year and month above mentioned. 

One who was well acquainted with his worth and 



NEW- England's memorial. 16^ 

gracious endowments, presented this following as a 
testimonial of his good respects for him. 

W eep not dear wi-fe, children, nor desr friends, 
I iive a life of joys that never ends. 
L ove GoJ, and fear hun tu end of your days.: 
li ive unto hisn, but die to sin always. 
1 n heavciily place of bliss my soul doth rest, 
A inong- the saints and Angels 1 am biess'd ; 
M uch better here, than in the world at best. 

P raising" ray God is now my great employ, 

A hove such troubles as did lue annoy. 

D id but ujy friends know whall here possess, 

D oublless it would cause iheui to mourn the less ; 

Y our souls with mine ere long shall meet in blisa. 

1659. 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince was elected Gover- 
nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. Wil- 
liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Capt. ihomas VVillet, 
Major Josiah VVinslow, Lieut. Thomas 8outhworth, 
Mr. William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hinkley, 
were chosen to he his assistants in government. 

Plaving noted before, that in the year 1657, there 
arrived in the colony of New Plymouth, many of 
that pernicious sect, called Quakers ; the reader may 
lake notice, that by this time, for some y* ars after, 
New England (in divers parts of it) abounded with 
them, and they sowed their corrupt and darrinabie 
dobtrines, both by word and writings, almost in every 
town of each jurisdiction, some whereof were. That 
a!l men ought to attend the light within them to be 
the rule of their lives and actions ; and, that the holy 
scriptures were not for the enlightening of man, nor 
a settled and permanent ride of life. They denied 
the manhood of the Lord Jssus Christ, and atlirmed, 
that as man he is not in heaven. They denied the 
resurrection from the dead. They affirmed, that an 
absolute perfection in holiness or grace is attainable 
in this life. They placed tlieir justification upon 
their patience and suilbring for their opinions, and ob 



166 new-england's memorial, 

their righteous h'fe, and retired demurity, and affected 
singularity both in word and gesture. 

As to civil account, they allowed not nor practiced 
any civil respect to man, though superiors, either in 
magistiatical consideration, or as masters or parents, 
or the ancient, neither by word nor gesture. They 
deny also the use of oaths for the deciding of civil 
controversies, with other abominable opinions, dreams 
and conceits, which some of them have expressed, 
tending to gross blasphemj^ and atheism. 

This efficacy of delusion became very prevalent 
with many, so as the number of them increased, to 
the great endangering of the subversion of the whole, 
both of church and the commonwealth, notwithstand- 
ing the endeavours of those in authority to suppress 
the same, had not the Lord declared against them, 
by blasting their enterprises and contrivcments, so as 
they have withered away in a great measure ; sun- 
dry of their teachers and leaders, which have caused 
them to err, are departed the country, and we trust 
the Lord will make the folly of the remainder mani- 
fest to all men more and more. Error is jmt long 
lived ; the day will declare it. Let our deliverance 
from so eminent a danger be received amongst the 
principal of the Lord's gracious providences, and mer- 
ciful loving kindnesses towards New England ; for the 
which let present and future generations celebrate his 
praises. 

This year that learned and godly servant of God, 
Mr. Job Dunster, fell asleep in the Lord. He was 
sometime president of Harvard college, at Cambridge, 
in New England, in which he approved himself to 
the satisfaction of such as were in those affairs con- 
cerned. Afterwards he came into (he jurisdiction of 
New Plymouth, and lived a while in the town of 
Scituate, and was useful in helping to oppose the a- 
bominable opinions of the Quakers, forementioned, 
and in defending the truth against them. He deceas- 
ing in the town of Scituate, his body was embalmed, 



1S7 

and removed unto Cambridge, aforesaid, and there 
honourably buried. 

16G0. 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Gover- 
nor of the jurisdiction of New Plym-uth : Mr. Wil- 
liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Cant. 1 ho mas Willetj 
Major Josiah Winslow, Capt. Thomas South worth, 
Capt. William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hinkley, 
were chosen his assistants in {government. 

This year James Pierce, a young man that belonged 
to Boston, coming on fishing, and upon occasion put- 
ting into Plymouth harbour, it pleased God that a 
storm <>f thunder and lightning arose, and by a blow 
thereof he »vas slain of a sudden, being much scorched 
and burnt thereby, although his clothes were made 
fast and close abr.ut him ; so strange was this great 
work to the wonderment of all that beheld it. 

1661. 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince was elected Govern- 
or of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth: Mr. Will- 
iam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Mr. Thomas Willet, 
Major Josiah Winslow, Captain Thomas Southworth, 
Captain William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hink- 
ley, were chosen assistants to him in government. 

1662. 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince was elected Gov- 
ernor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth : Mr. 
"W^illiam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Captain Thomas 
Willet, Major Josiah Winslow, Captain Thomas 
iS'outhworth, Captain William Bradford, and Mr. 
Thomas Hinkley, were chosen assistants to him in 
government. 

This year, upon occasion of some suspicion of some 
plot intended by the Indians against the English ; 
Philip the sachem of Pocanaket, otherwise called 
Metacom, made his appearance at the court held at 



16^ NEW- EjyGLA?tfl)'S HtMO^iAL, 

Plj^mouth, August 6, did earnestlj desire the contin- 
uance of that amity and friendship that hath formerly 
been between the Governor of Plymouth and his de- 
ceased father and brother: and to that end the said 
Philip doth for hi?nself ami his successors desire, that 
ihey might forever remain subject to the king of 
ICnsland, his heirs and successors ; and doth faithfully 
promise and enga£;e, tliat he and his, will truly and 
exactly observe and keep inviolable, such conditions 
as formerly have been by his predecessors made ; and 
particularly, that he will not at any time, needlessly 
or unjustly, provoke or rais<; war With any oF the 
natives; nor at any time give, sell, or any way dis- 
pose of any lands (to him or them appertaining) to 
any strangers, or to any without our privity or ap- 
pointment, but v*'ill in all things endeavor to carr/ 
peaceably and inoffensively towards the English. 

And the said cou t lid also express their willing- 
ness to continue with him and his, the abovesaid 
friendship, and do on their part promise, that they 
will afford them such friendly assistance by advice 
and otherwise, as they justly may: And we will re- 
quire our English at all times to carry friendly to- 
wards them. In witness whereof the said Philip the 
sachem hath set to his hand, as also his uncle, and 
witnessed iinto by sundry other of his men. 

Witness, John Sausamen, 

The mark r£j of Francis The mark o^ of Philip 
the sachem of Nauset. alias Metacom. 

This year on the 26th of January, at the shutting 
in of the evenin^^^, there was a very great earthquake 
in New England, and the same night another, altho*^ 
something less than the former. 

And again, on tlie 28th of the same month there 
was another about nine of the clock in the morning. 

Forasmuch as I have had special occasion several 
times in this history to mention divers earthquakes 
that have been in New England, they being great 
and terrible works of God, and are usually ominous 



/ 



lv'£W-EKGLAND^S MEBIORIAL. 16^ 



to some ; strokes and visitations of his hand unto 
places and people where they are ; sometimes the 
Lord in the very acting of his po:ver in them, hath 
deplared his severity to the children of men, to Iheir 
great overthrow and confusion* 

J thought it necessary, before I pass on, a little to 
point at some few particulars, to work and induce us 
to a prolitable remembrance of them ; it beini; very 
considerable that is said by a useful author, in taking 
notice of the wisdom of God, in preparing the earth 
to be a tit habitation for man to dwell in, addeth 
withal, that as if man were not always worthy to 
tread upon so solid a foundation, we see it oitentimes 
quake and sliake, and rock and rend itself, as if it 
shewed that he which made it threatened by this 
trembling the impiety of the world, and the luin of 
those that dwell on the earth. 

In order unto that which I have nominated in the 
behalf and more principally intend, let us take notice, 
that writers have rendered the cause of earthquakes 
to be, that when it happeneih that air and windy 
spirits and exhalations are shut up in the caverns of 
the earth, or have such passage as is too narrow for 
them, they then striving to brtak their prisons, shake 
the earth, and make it tremble. The^' speak like- 
wise of the several kinds of them: as 

First, when the whole force of the wind driveth 
to one place, there being no contrary motion to let or 
hinder it ; many hills and buildin£:s have been rush- 
ed down by this kind of earthquake, Cfperially when 
the wind causing it was strong *. For if it be a feeble 
wind, it onl}^ looseneth or unfasteneth foundations, 
if less feeble, then without further harm the earth 
only shakes, like one si( k of an ague. 

Secondly, the second kind is a swelling of the 
earth,* the which, when the wind is broken out of 
its prison, the earth returns to its place again. 

Thirdly, a third kind is, a gaping, rending or cleav- 
ing of the earth one part from another^ so that some- 
15 



170 NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMOAlAlS*- 

times whole towns, cities, rocks, hills, rivers, axKt 
some parts of the sea have heen swallowed up, and 
never seen more. 

Fourthly, a fourth kind is, shaking, that causeth 
sinking, and is far different from the former; for' 
now the earth splitleth not, hut sinketh ; this being 
in such places where, though the surface of the ground 
be solid, yet it hath but a salt foundation, which being 
moistened by water driven through it by the force of 
the shaking exhalation, is turned into water also. 

Thus was the atlantic ocean caused to be a sea, as 
Plato aflirmeth, who lived three hundred and sixty 
years before Christ was born. 

Fifthly, a fifth kind of earthquake is contrary to 
the former; for, as before the ground sinks down, so 
now it is cast up, like as the second kind already 
mentioned : Only this is the difference, that now it 
returneth not to its place again, but remains a great 
mountain. And note, that if such a rising be in the 
sea, it not only causeth overflowings, but produceth 
likewise many islands, such as were never seen 
before. 

These particulars are treated of at large by approv- 
ed authors, and here only hinted, to the intent that 
we may take notice of the special providence of God 
to New England in this behalf, that we have not as 
yet felt the misery of the worst of the kinds of earth- 
quakes forenamed, nor swallowed up in them, but 
those we have been sensible of have been rather gen- 
tle warnings unto us, to sliake us out of our earthly- 
mindedness, spiritual security, and other sins, lest the 
Lord do come against us with judgments of this kind 
in the sorest and worst sort of them, or otherwise by 
removing the present blessing of godly government 
from us. 

Notwithstanding that which hath been said, the 
efficient cause is supernatural, as either principally 
God, or instrumentally the angels, although naturally 
the wind shut up within the pores and bowels of the 
earth, as is before noted. 



IvEtv'-EKG LAND'S xMEMOUlAL. 171 

irtlre effects of them usually are such, as by them 
is sonietimcs a discovery of the channels of water, 
and foundations of the world, (Exod. xix. 18, Ptialm 
xxix. 6, 8, civ. 32, Rat. xxviii. 2, Psalm xviii. 15, 
Zech. xiv. 14, Rev. vi. 1, xv. 14, Mat. xxvii. 51, Acts 
xvi. 25.) the removinj^: of mountains from one place 
to another, the cleaving of rocks, and opening ot 
graves and p:ates, yea the thro^ving down of many 
famous buildings and cities, and some swallowed n{), 
and many thousands of people destroyed thereby ; 
the turning of plain land into mountains; the throw- 
mg down of mountains, and raising up of islands in 
the s( a, the breaking out of rivers where there were 
none before ; the discovery of burning mountains 
where there were none seen before : Famine and 
pestilence; (ot which particulars divers iiiStances 
might be produced out of the sacred scriptures, and 
several other authors ;) ou^^ht we not then to fear and 
tremble before so great a God, who (as one saith) by 
his handmaid nature doth so terribly shake the earth, 
as no land can be sure, no place so strong that can 
defend us? Naj^ the more strong, the more danger- 
ous ; for the higher, the greater the fall. Let us 
therefore say with the wise man, Eccles. iii, 14, I 
know that whatsoever God doth, shall stand forever; 
nothinj^f can be put to it, nor any tliing taken from it^ 
and God doth it, that men should fear before him. 

'i'his3ear Mr. John Brown ended this life; in bis 
younger years travelling into the low countries, be- 
came acquainted v/ith, and took good liking to, the 
reverend pastor of the church of Christ at Leyden, 
as also to sundry of the brethren of that church ; 
which ancient amity induced him (upon his coming 
over to New England) to seat himself in the jurisdic- 
tion of New Plymouth, in which he was chosen mag- 
istrate ; in which place he served God and the coun- 
try several years ; he was well accomplished with 
abilities to both civil and religious concernments, and 
attained through God's grace unto a comfortable per- 



172 NEW-ENGLAND's MLiMORiALi 

suasion of the love and favour of God to him; he 
falling sick of a fever, with much serenity and spir- 
itual comfort fell asleep in the Lord, and was honora- 
hly buried at Wannamoiset near Rehoboth, in the 
spring of the year aforesaid. 

1663. 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Gover- 
nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. Wil- 
liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Capt. Thomas Willet, 
Major Josiah Winslow, Lieut. 7'homas Southworth, 
Capt. William Bradford, Mr. 'J'homas Hinkley, were 
chosen his assistants in government. 

This year Mr. Samuel Newman, teachei of the 
church of Christ at Rehoboth, changed this life for a 
better. He was sometimes preacher of God's word 
at Weymouth in the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts, 
and from thence removed to Rehoboth, where be con- 
tinued in the work of the ministry until the end of his 
days. He was a lively dispenser of the word of God, 
and of a pious life, very hospitable, and at the close of 
his life very full of joy and comfort ; and with cheer- 
fulness of spirit resiiiued himself up to the Lord, and 
his spirit into the arms of his blessed Redeemer, de- 
siring that the holy angels might do that office in 
transporting his soul into everlasting bliss and happi- 
ness. He fell asleep in the Lord on the fifth of July, 
1663. 

This year also it pleased God to put a speedy period 
to the life of Mr. John Norton, who was a burning and 
a shining light ; and although the church of Boston 
in a more special manner felt the smart of this sudden 
blow, yet it reilected upon the whole land. He was 
singularly endowed witli the tongue of the learn«^d, 
enabled to speak a word in due season, not only to 
the wearied soul, but also a word of counsel to a peo- 
ple in necessity thereof, being not.onlj' a wise stew- 
ard of the thiniis of Jesus Christ, but also a wise states- 
man : So (hat the whole land sustained a great loss of 



kew-england's memorial. 1^3 

him. At bis first comine; over into New England, lie 
arrived at Plymouth, where he abode the best part of 
one winter, and preached the gospel of the kingdom 
unto them; and ever after to his djing day retained 
a great affection unto them. From thenre he went 
to i)osto[), and lV)m thence to Ipswich, in New Eng- 
land, wliere he was chosen the teaciier of their 
ehmehj and after the death of worthy Mr. Cotton, 
he was solicited, and at lenjith obtained, to return to 
}3«)ston, and tijere served in that office until his death. 
He was chosen by the jurisdiction of the Aiassachu- 
setts, together with the much honoured Mr. Simon 
Bradstreet, to go over into England as ager.ls in the 
beiialf of that jurisdiction, unto His Majesty and the 
Privy Council, upon business of greatest trust and 
concerrjment ; and soon after his return, it pleased 
God suddenly and unexpectedly to take him away by 
death, on the fifth day of April, 1663. His body was 
bonoural)!} buried at Boston. On whose much la- 
mented death, take this following Elegy. 

^^n Elegy on the death of that eminent minister of the gos- 
pel^ Mr. John jVortcin^ the reverend teacher of the church 
of Christ, at Boston, who exchanged this life for a hit- 
ter, Jprii 5, 1663. 

Ask o (t the reason why (ears are our meet, 
And norje l)iit inournerfe seen in ev'ry street ? 
Our cr wn, alas ( las) is fallen from our Lead ; 
We Hfni it off: Wo to ns, Norton's dead. 
OiJi breach is like tlie sea, no heaiing^'s known : 
To coinforl Sinn's dy lighter is there none ? 
Ot: learh yoiir •luiig'hteis vvaiiing- every one, 
Tlieir neigh;»ours ieopest lamentatiun. 
Oh that mine eyes a fonntain were of tears ! 
I'j day and iiig-ht in mournirig- spend my years. 
My f;ilhiM ! father! Israel's chariots tijon, 
And iiorsenien wert ! Sons of the prophets now. 
W;iep, since \oiii master from your Ijead is taken : 
Ti.is faliier ol the ninses liath forsaken 
Jlissiudy tiere, not hkiog our dark room, 
Dotir choose those mansions in his father'* home, 
Tiie schooltnen'sr doctors, whomso'er they call 
15* 



174 new-england's memorial. 

Subtle, seraphic, or angelical : 

Dull souls : Their tapers burnt exceeding dim ; 

They might to school again to learn of him. 

Ijoiiibard must out of date : We now profess 

Norton the master of the sentences. 

Scotus, a dunce to him : Should we compare 

T^Vquinas here, none to be named are. 

Of a more heavenly strain his notions were, 

More pure, sublime, scholastical and clear : 

More like the Apostles Paul and John, 1 wist, 

Was this our orthodox evangelist. 

And though an exile from his native land, 

As John in Patmos ; yet here the hand 

Of f "hrist leads forth, more clearly to espy 

The i^ew Jerusalem in her bravery. 

Who more acute in judgment was than he ? 

More famous too for heavenly policy ? 

He was a wise and faithful counsellor, 

One of a thousand, an interpreter. 

Mighty in word and prayer, who could have 

Whate'er almost from heaven he did crave : 

On him, with things without (which Pll not name) 

The care of all the churches daily came. 

Me car'd thus naturally : Oh hear that rod, 

Which us bereav'd of such a man of God ! 

Zealous for order: Very critical 

For what was truly congregational. 

A pillar of our church and state was he ; 

But now no more, no more his face we see ! 

Who thought more fit of all his tribe to stand 

Before our King, for favour for our land. 

Lately ? But now translated is to rest, 

This agent of New England's interest. 

When last he preach'd, he us the pattern gave 

Of all that worship Christ in's church would have : 

Grod then him up into the mount did call, 

To have the vision beatifical. 

As Thomas to the twelve said, Come leVs go 

And die with him ; Pd almost said so too : 

Pll yet awhile in tears sow, that I may. 

With him, in joyful reapings live for aye. 

A tomb now holds his soul's beloved shrine, 

Of ih' Holy Ghost, a temple most divine. 

And well New England's heart maj rent at this ! 

Wonder not reader, I so greatly miss 

Fit words, his worth, our loss and grief to fame, 

When as no epitaph can declare the same. T. S. 



new-England's memorial. 175 

Not long after, viz. in the month of July, followed 
the deatli of that eminent servant of God, Mr. Samuel 
Stone, who was another star of the first magnitude in 
the firmament of New England. He was a learned, 
solid, and judicious divine, equally able for the coniir- 
mation of tlie truth and confutation of errors. His 
ministry was with much conviction and demonstra- 
tion, and when ne set himself to application, very 
powertul. He was teacher to the church of Hart- 
ford fourteen years, together with Mr. Hooker, and 
sixteen years alter him, thirty years in all. I^le died 
on the 20th of July, and was honourably buried at 
Hartford. 

A TTirenodia upon our churches sp.cond dark eclipse^ hap- 
pening July 20, 1 663, by deatK's interposition between 
us and that great light and divine plants Air, Samuel 
Stone, late of Hartford, in Neio England, 

Last spring- this summer ma}' be autumn styl'd, 

Sad withering^ fall our beaulies which despoil'd : 

Two choicest plants, our Norton and our Stone, 

Your justs threw down ; remov'd, away are gone. 

One year brought Stone and Norton to their mother, 

In on--; one year April, July them did smother. 

Dame Cambridge mother to this darling- son ; 

Emanuel, Northampton, that heard this one, 

Essex, our bay, Hurtt'ord, in sable clad, 

Come bear your parts in this Threnodia sad. 

In l«)singone, church many lost: O then 

Many tor one come be sad smging men. 

May nature, grace and ail be found in one 

So high, as to be found in lew or none. 

In him these three with full fraught band contested, 

"With which by each he should be most invested. 

The largest of the three, it was so »reat 

On him, the stone was held a light complete. 

A intone more than ihe Ebenezer fani'd ; 

St.jne splendent diamond, riglit orient nura'd ; 

A cordial stone, that often cljeered hearts 

"With pleasant wit, with gospel rich imparts ; 

Whetsone, that edgef^'d th' obtusest mind : 

Loadstone, thrtt drew the iron heart unkind ; 

A p.-n'ierous storie, that wuuid the bottom sound 

Oi scripture depths, and bring out Arcao's found ; 



376 new-england's memorial. 

A s(one for kingly David's use so fit 

As would not fail Goliah's front to hit ; 

A stone, an antidote, that brake the course 

Olg-angrene error, by convincing force ; 

A stone acute, iit to divide and square ; 

A sqii.ired stone became Christ's b'lildingf rare. 

A Peter's living, lively stone (so rear'd) 

As 'live, was Hartford's life ; dead, death is fear'd. 

In H irtford old, SUnie first drew intent breath, 

In Neiv efftjs'd his last : O there beneath ^ 

His corps are K.id, near to his darling" brother, 

Of whom dead he oft sigh'd, Not such another. 

He./ven is the riio; e desirable, said he, 

For Hooker, bhepard, and Hajnes's company. E. B. 

1664. 

This year Mr. Thooias Prince was elected Gover- 
nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. Wil- 
liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Capt, Thomas Willet, 
Major Josiah vVinslow, Lieut. Thomas Southworlh, 
Capt. William Bradford, and Mr. Thomas Hinkley, 
were chosen to be lii> assistants in government. 

This year a blazing star or comet, appeared in New 
Entiiand, in the ninth, tenUi, eleventh, and the b<-gin- 
niijg of the twelfth month. Concerning which it 
hath been observed, that such was its motion, that, in 
all likelihood, it was visible to all the inhabitants of 
the earth ; and thai also in its motion the blaze of it 
did turn to ali tlie quarters of the world ; and then by 
its turning according to ti»e severaj aspects it had to 
the sun, il was no fiery meleor cau-^ed by exhalation, 
but that it was sent immediately by God to awake the 
secure world, 

I williuirly close with that which Mr. Samuel Dan- 
forth hath re!li{ioujf|y observed, as to the theological 
application of this strange and notable appearance in 
the heavens, Tliat indeed by the testimony of the 
sarred srnptures, and the common histories of former 
ages, comets do nsiially precede and portend great ca- 
lamities, and notable changes. 

To add a few more instances to those the said au- 
thor hath well observed. 



177 

When the Emperor Jovian attained to the empire, 
(succeeding the apostate Julian, under whom the 
church suffered mucij persecution) and that under him 
hoth church and commonwealth w ere like to have had 
a flourishing time, had he not been taken away by 
sudden death ; then also appeared a comet sljewing 
that further trouble was yel to be expected to the 
church. [Socrates lib, 4, cap. 22.] 

Again, other authors make mention of a strange 
comet that was seen in the year oi Christ 410, being 
like a two edged sword, which portended many mis- 
chiefs and calamities, that happened both in the east 
and west, and such great siaui^litcrs oi men were about 
those days, as no age ever afforded iUv like. All Eu- 
rope was in a manner undone ; no -mall pait of Asia 
was affrighted ; and Africa also was not void of tliose 
«vils, as war, famine, drought and pestilence ; all of 
them strove as it were to trouble the whole world. 

Also in the years 1400, 1401, .402, and 1403, ctm- 
ets appeared, great calamities loliowed ; ui)heaid of 
diseases were lelt, rivers dried up, and plagues were 
increased : lamer lain, King of the bcylhians and 
Parthians, with at» innumerable host invaded Asia, 
calling himself, Tlie v\ralh ol God, and the desolation 
of the earth. [Head Carion, lib. 5, page 854.] 

Also in the yt^ar 1529, appeared tour ccnjets ; and 
in the years 1530, 1532, and 1533, were seen in each 
one. 

Lanquet saith, that there were three within the 
space of two years, upon which these and the like ca- 
lamities followed, viz. a great sweating sickness in 
England, which took away great multitudes of people. 
The 'lorks in the quarrel of John Vuavoida, who laid 
claim to the t rown of Hungaria, entered the said 
kingdom with two hundred and fifty thousand fight- 
ing soldiers, committing, against the intiabilants there- 
of, most harsh and unspeakable muider, rapes, villa- 
nies and cruelties. 

Great famine and death in Venice, and the coun- 



178 xN'EVV- ENGLAND S MEMORIAL. 

tries therpabouts, which swept nway many ; the 
gweatiiiii sit kiiess in IBrabanl, and in a great pait of 
Germany. 

Great wars likewise about tlie Dukedom of Miilain, 
between tlu; i^rnperor Charles the hith, and Francis 
the i^'rench Ki!ii{. 

About that time also all Lusitania, or Portujral, was 
struck with an earthquake, insomuch that at Ulisippo, 
or Lisbon, above a thousand houses were thrown 
down, and sixty more so shaken that they were ready 
to fall : Witii many other evils that befel those parts 
about that time. 

And to observe what hath fallen out since this last 
comet appeared, will not be unuseful, eitl»er in Eu- 
rope or America. 

In EiUrope, the great contest between our own na- 
tion and the Dutch, which hath threatened bloody 
war ; and what will be in the conclusion, is known 
only to God : Besides other contests between the 
Dutcl) and some other of their neighbours ; as also 
the pestilence very hot both in England and Holland. 

In America, the late and sad blow that our country- 
men at the isle of Christopher's received from the 
French. And as to ourselves in New Ejigland, al- 
though throui^h the mercy of our good God there is 
no breaking in, nor going out into capiivily, nor com- 
plaining in our streets; yet we have been threatened 
with invasion b^ foreign force, and som(itimes in ex- 
pectation thereof; as also we are not to slight the 
hand of God in his late sore strokes in takinu: away so 
many by thunder and lightning, to the great amaze- 
ment and terror of nriany : As also God's continued 
strokes in drought, blasting, and mildew, with which 
much of the fruits of the earth iiave been destroyed. 
All which considered, ought to induce us to search 
and try our ways, and to enter into a strict and se- 
rious examination of our hearts and lives, and having 
found out what those sins are that are most provoking 
to the majesty of heaven, we may reform then^, 



kew-england's memorial. 17^ 

whether in church, in state, in family, or in persons 'j. 
that so he may not stir up all his wrath, b^it yet may 
delight over us to do us good, from the beginning of 
the year to the end thereof. 

This year it pleased God to smite the fruits of the 
earth, viz. the v/heat in special, with blasting and mil- 
dew, whereby much of it was utterly spoiled, and be- 
came profitable for nothing, and much of it worth lit- 
tle, being light and empty. This was looked at by 
the judicious ond conscientious of the land, as a speak- 
ing providence against the unthankfulness of many for 
so great a mercy, and their murmuring expressed in 
their words, by slighting and undervaluing terms of 
it: As also against voluptuousness, and abuse of the 
good creatures of God, by licenciousness in drinking, 
and fashions in apparel ; for the obtaining whereof, 
a great part of this principal grain was oftentimes un- 
necessarily expended. '1 his so sad dispensation, with 
other particulars, occasioned the observation of days 
of humiliation before the Lord, more frequent- 
ly than ordinary. Let it also be observed, that yet 
in judgment he remembered mercy, by attording a 
plentiful harvest of other sorts of grain, so as the coun- 
try suffered not in respect of the want of bread this 
year, but had plenty thereof. 

This year also his majesty's commissioners, viz. 
Col. Richard Nicolls, Sir Robert Carr, Knight, 
George Cartwright, Esq. and Samuel Maverick, Esq. 
arrived at Boston, in New England, in the month of 
July : The tenor of whose commission was in special, 
to reduce the Dutch at the iManhato's to his majesty's 
obedience; which in some short time was accom- 
plished, and the place and jurisdiction thereof, surren- 
dered up unto his majesty's said commissioners, who 
styled it by the name of New York, and placed a 
government over it of his majesty's subjects, the afore- 
said Col. Richard Nicolls being Governor in chief 
there. And whereas they were likewise commission- 
ated to hear and determine such differences as might 



180 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL. 

be amongst the colonies, in respect unto the bounds 
of their jurisdictions: Sonne such differences were by 
them heard, and in special betwixt Plynnouth and 
Rhode Island, and such settlement therein concluded 
as they were capacitated unto. As also sundry prop- 
ositions were by them made to several of the respec- 
tive jurisdictions, which, together with the agitations 
concerning them, and the answers unto them, are 
elsewhere extant. Tliey likewise presented the hon- 
oured Governor of the jurisdiction of l*lymouth(as to 
the colonv) with a gracious letter from his majesty. 
The contents whereof are as foUoweth : 

To our trusty and zuell beloved, our Governor and Conn' 
cil of New Plymouth^ greeting* 

Charles Rex. 

Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well. We 
need not enlarge upon our care of, and affection to, 
that our plantation of iNew Plymouth, when we give 
you su<li a testimony and maiiifestation of it, in the 
sending those o;entlemen, persons well known unto 
us, and deserving from us. Our trusty and well be- 
loved Col. Richard Nicolls, Sir Robert Carr, Knight, 
George Cartwright, Esq. and Samuel Maverick, Esq. 
our commissioners to vit^it you. and other our planta- 
tions in those parts of iNew England, and to give us a 
full and particular information and account of your 
presf-nt state and condition, and how the same may 
be advanced and improved by any furtlier aits of 
grace and iavonr from us towards you ; and that you 
and all the world may know and take notice, that we 
take yr.u into our immediate piotection, and will no 
mMf suffer you to be op:>ressed or injured by any 
for^MLMi power, or ill neiiihbours, than we would suf- 
fer our olher subjects that live upon the same conti- 
IK rit with us, to be so injured and op()ressed. And 
as our care and protection will (we doubt not) be suf- 
ficient, v\ith God's blessing, to defend y mj iiom for- 
eign force ; so our care and circumspection is no less, 



ISl 

that you may live in peace amongst yourselves and 
with those our other subjects who have planted them- 
selves in 3^our neighboring colonies, with that justice, 
affection and brotherly love, which becomes subjects 
born under the same Prince, and in the same coun- 
try, and of the same faith and hope in the mercies of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And to the end 
there may be no contentions and ditrerences between 
you, in respect of the bounds and jurisdiction of your 
several colonies; the hearing and determining where- 
of we have referred to our commissioners, as the 
right appears by clear evidence and testimony before 
them, or that they can settle it by your mutual consent 
and agreement ; otherwise, in cases of difficulty, they 
shall present the same to us, who will determine ac- 
cording to our own wisdom and justice. The address 
you formerly made to us, gave us so good satisfaction 
of your duty, loyalty and affection to us, that we have 
not the least doubt that you will receive those com- 
missioners in such manner as becomes you, and as 
may manifest your respect and affection towards us, 
from whom they are sent. Thej^ will let 3'ou know 
the resolution we have to preserve all your liberties 
and privileges, both ecclesiastical and civil, without 
the least violation ; which we presume will dispose 
you to manifest, by all the ways in your power, loy- 
a\ty and atfection to us, that all the world may know 
that you do look Upon yourselves as being as much 
our subjects, and living under the same obedience un- 
der us, as if you continued in your native country. 
And so we bid you farewell. 

Given at our court at Whitehall, April 23, 1664, 
in the sixteenth year of our reign. 
By his Majestif'^s special command, 

HENRY BENNET. 
After the said his majesty's commissioners had vis- 
ited several of the jurisdictions of New England, and 
were courteously entertained in every of thf^m, the 
said honourable Col. Richard Nicolls is settled at 
16 



182 n'ew-england's memorial. 

New York, for the present, being Governor ttiere ^ 
is before noted. George Cartwright, Esq. went for 
England, in the latter end of the year, with Mr. Ben- 
jamin Gillam, and was taken by the Dutch, and af- 
terwards, with some difficulty, arrived in England, 
Sir Robert Carr is at present at Delaware, and Mr. 
Samuel Maverick at Boston. The said Sir Robert 
Carr, sinc« that, went for England, in the year 1667. 
He arrived at Bristol, and died there June l,the next 
day after he came ashore. About that time it was 
thought by such as were judicious, that through the 
instigation of the said Maverick, (whose spirit was full 
of malignity against the country) our both civil and 
religious liberties were much endangered ; and the 
rather for that probably there would have been a 
concurrence of divers ill-affected in the land, had not 
the Lord prevented. 

1665. 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Gover- 
nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. Wil- 
liam Collier, Mr. John Alden, Major Josiah Winslow, 
Capt. Thomas Southworth, Capt. William Bradford, 
Mr. Thomas Hinklej'^, and Mr. James Brown, were 
chosen his assistants in government. 

In the spring of this year, that honourable gentle- 
man Mr. John Endicot, governor of the jurisdiction 
of the Massachusetts, changed this life for a better. 
He was a very virtuous gentleman, and was greatly 
honoured and loved of the most, as he well deserved. 
He arrived at Salem in the year 1628, and had the 
chief command of those that at the first there seated, 
and bare a deep share of the difficulties of those first 
beginnings, which were great, by reason especially 
ot the great sickness and mortality that was then a- 
mongst them, as hath been before noted : There he 
continued, until the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts 
saw reason to desire his removal to Boston, for the 
more convenient administration of justice, as gover- 



MW-tiNGLAND's MEMORIAL. 1 SfS 

tibt of the said jurisdiction, to which he was frequent- 
ly elected for many years together with little inter- 
mission ; and in which honorable service he served 
God and the country, until old age, and the infiimities 
thereof, coming upon him, he fell asleep in the Lord, 
and was with great honour and solemnity interred at 
Boston, 

This year it pleased God to cause a sad dispensation 
of his hand to pass before us, in reference to the sud- 
den death of Capt. Davenport, who in the month of 
July was slain, as he lay on his bed, with a blow of 
thunder and lightning. He was a man of some emi- 
nency, being betrusted with the command of the cas- 
tle in the Massachusetts; at which said castle he was 
slain as aforesaid : The more ought this so sad stroke 
of God to be considered, and laid to heart, and im- 
proved for our humiliation, & the amendment of our 
lives before the great and terrible God, who so aloud 
spake unto us in this so sad and awing a providence. 

This year it pleased the Lord again to strike the 
wheat of this country in a more general way, than 
the last year, with blasting and mildew, whereby tiie 
greatest part of it r/as spoiled, and the pli."-»^hiiiai.\, 
hopes (in that respect) very much .frustrated. How- 
beit the Lord still mixed with this affliction very 
much mercy, in sparing the other grain, whereby the 
country was in some good measure supplied. 

1666. 

This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Gover- 
nor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. John 
Alden, Major Josiah Winsjow, Capt. Thomas South- 
worth, Capt. William Bradford, Mr. Thomas Hink- 
ley, Mr. James Brown, and Lieut. John Freeman, 
were chosen his assistants in government. 

This year it pleased God to go on in a manifesta- 
tion of his displeasure against New England, in a very 
remarkable manner, by striking dead, in a moment, 
by a blow of thunder, three persons in the town of 



184 

iJarshfield, in the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, in 
the month of June, viz. one named William ShiitlifF, 
and a woman and a youth ; which sad dispensation 
of God's hand, being considered with some circum- 
stances, gave cause to the beholders to be much aston- 
ished; the saidShirtliff having his wife by the hand, 
and sitting by her to cheer her, in respect that the 
said storm was so rierce, he was slain, and she pre- 
served, though in some measure scorched with the 
lightning ; jea, he had one of his children in his 
arms, and himself slain, and the child preserved. We 
have likewise received intelligence of four more that 
about that time were slain by thunder and iiglitning 
about Piscataqua, and divers more hurl. At the time 
of this storm of thunder and lightning, in the which 
those of Marshtield died, there arose likewise a very 
great whirlwind, that where it came it tore up trees 
by the roots, though through mercy it did little other 
hurt. 

It was a great while, and many years spent, since 
llie English came into these parts, before any very 
considerable hurt was done by thunder and lightning, 
to either man or beast, appertaining to them, although 
sometimes very fierce storms of that kind, as frequent- 
ly as in these times : But now doth the Lord go on 
gradually in this as in other judgments in New Eng- 
land : Eirst, bj^ striking cattle, and then one person 
at a time, and this year divers to the number of seven, 
besides some cattle also. 

Thus God thundereth marvellously with his voice, 
he worketh great things which we know not. Job 
xxxvii. 0. and xxxviii. 35, and xl. 8. He can send 
the lightnings that they may walk, and say, Lo here 
IV e are. Hath an^^ an arm like God ? Or can any thun- 
der with a voice like him ? By this his terrible voice 
he breaketh the cedars, and divideth the flames of 
fire ; Psal. xxix. 5, 7, which he commissionates to 
do his pleasure, sometimes not onl}' striking cedars, 
but great oaks in a wonderful manner, sometimes 



NEW-ENGLANd's MEJIORIAL. 18a 

beasts, sometimes men and women. If God's judg- 
ments have thus been abroad in the earth, how ought 
the inhabitants of New England to learn righteous- 
ness ^ Isa. xxvi. 9. How easily can the Lord sta^n 
the pride of our glory with a stroke of his hand ? 
Let not the familiarness or frequency of such provi- 
dences, cause them to be neglected by us, to improve 
them as God would have us, to fear before him, and 
to turn fiom such iniquities especially as are most dis- 
pleasing unto him, and to hold our lives in our hands, 
and to be in a readiness for his pleasure, lest knowing 
not our time, as the fishes that are taken in an evil 
net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, 
Eccles. ix. 12. So we shall be snared in an evil 
time, when it falleth suddenly upon us. 

This year the Lord threatened the country with 
that infectious and contagious disease of the small 
pox, which began at Boston, whereof some few died : 
But through his great mercy it is stayed, and none of 
late have died thereof. 

This year the Lord likewise threatened, and in 
some measure executed his displeasure upon the coun- 
try bj'^ drought ; but through his mercy hath of late 
sent plenty of rain, for the recovering of the fruits of 
the earth. Although it is to be observed, that soon af- 
ter a day of humiliation was observed by some congre- 
gations, for the blessing of rain in the drought above 
mentioned, that sad stroke by the thunder and light- 
ning at Marshfield fell out : So that we may say with 
the Psalmist unto the Lord, By terrible things in 
righteousness thou hast answered us, O God of our sal- 
vation. 

Also this year there hatli been some ground of fear 
of invasion by foreign enemies ; but hitherto the Lord 
hath kept us. 

This year much of the wheat was destroyed with 
blasting and mildew, as also some other grain by 
worms, and the drought aforementioned ; but the 
16* 



186 new-england's memorial. 

Lord sent much rain for the recovery of the remain- 
der, through his great mercy. 

This year, about the middle of July, Mr. Thomas 
Prince, Governor of the jurisdiction of Plymouth. 
Capt. Thomas Southworth, IVJr. John Eliot, jun. Mr. 
Samuel Arnold, Mr. John Holmes, Mr. William Brim- 
smead, and Mr. Thomas Cushman, gave meeting to 
Mr. Richard Bourn, of Sandwich, in reference to the 
taking notice of what proficiency the Indians, under 
the instruction of the said Mr. Bourn, have attained 
unto, in the knowledge ofGod in Christ, and their in- 
terest in him by faith ; and to make such professions 
or confessions as they should openly make thereof, to 
the glory of God, and the satisfaction of the saints, in 
order to their joining into church fellowship. 

And the Lord was pleased to come into some of 
them, so as they gave good satisfaction unto the said 
honoured and judicious persons forenamed, then as- 
sembled in reference to the premises : So that it was 
concluded by them, that what had pas^^ed from th e 
Indians in that behalf, should be drawn up in writing, 
and copies thereof exhibited to the churches of the 
jurisdiction of Plymouth, such of them as are neigh- 
bouring near unto them, & if nothing should be then 
objected, that then, in due and convenient time, they 
should be permitted and encouraged to enter into 
church fellowship, as aforesaid. 

Now, although I doubt not but the passages of these 
things will be in due time published by a better pen ; 
yet 1 have made bold here to insert so much as I have 
been informed of them, in regard that they are the 
first fruits of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, that 
have come on to so good perfection in this kind. 

This year, in the month of December, it pleased 
God to take unto himself, by death, that worthy ser- 
vant of Christ, Mr. William Thompson, who was a 
lively dispenser of the word of God, and very affec- 
tionate in the delivery thereof. It pleased God to 
bless his labours to the conversion of many souls. He 



NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL, 18T 

was sometimes, together with Mr. Knowles, sent unto 
Virginia, by the elders of the churches of the Massa- 
chusetts, being requested by a message sent b}^ some 
in Virginia, for some help in preaching God's word 
amongst them : The fruit and benefit of whose la- 
bours therein still remaineth upon the souls of some 
eminent in this land. He was elected and ordained 
to be pastor of the church of Christ at Braintree, in 
New England ; in which otfice he served Christ many 
years, until old age coming upon him, and the pre- 
vailing of his melancholy distemper, did in a manner 
wholly disable him from that service ; and Satan tak- 
ing advantage thereby, he was under sad desertions 
and trouble of spirit. At which time the reverend 
elders and others of the aforesaid jurisdiction of the 
Massachusetts, were very officious for his recovery, 
and in sense of his sad condition offered up many 
prayers to God for him, and in God's time they re- 
ceived a gracious answer ; so as in his weakness and 
sickness it pleased God to come in unto his soul ^nd 
to remove the cloud of darkness that was upon his 
spirit, so that with much peace and comfort he fell a- 
sleep in the Lord, and was honourably buried at Brain- 
tree. Mark the upright man, and behold the just ; 
for the end of that man is peace. 

1667. 

Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen Governor of the 
jurisdiction of New Plj- mouth. Mr. John Alden, Ma- 
jor Josiah Winslow, Capt. Thomas Southworth, Capt. 
William Bradford, Mr. Thomas Hinkley, Mr. John 
Freeman, and Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, were chosen to 
be his assistants in government. 

This year, on the last day of November, being the 
last day of the next week, there was heard several 
loud noises or reports, as if it had been guns discharg- 
ed in the air, first one distinctly, and in a short time 
as it had been a volley of shot discharged. It was es- 
pecially heard and observed at Nantasket, and related 
by sundry of them of good credit. 



188 new-england's memorial. 

In the spring following, in the beginning of March, 
there appeared a sign in the heavens, in the form of 
a spear, something thicker in the middle than at ei- 
ther end, of a whitish, bright colour ; it was seen sev- 
eral nights together in the west, about an hour within 
the night ; it stood stooping, and the one end point- 
ing to the setting of the sun, and so settled downward 
by little and little, until it quite vanished, and descend- 
ed beneath our horizon. God awaken us that we be 
not heedless spectators of his wonderful works. 

This year, the seventh of August, it pleased the 
Lord to call home to himself the reverend, ancient and 
godly pastor of the church at Boston, iVlr. John Wil- 
son. He was a truly reverend and holy man of God 
he came to New England in the year 1630. He was 
instrumental in the first beginnings of the church of 
Boston, having been the pastor of it three years be- 
fore Mr. Cotton, twenty years witii him ; ten years 
with Mr. Norton, and four years after him; thirty- 
seven in all. And in all the chanijes of times that 
passed over him, he was full of faith and prayer, and 
eminent for sincerity and humility, being ever low in 
his own eyes, and for the grace of love, he had large- 
ness of heart as the sand of the sea, to do good to all. 
He was very charitabie, where there was any signs 
and hopes of good ; and yet withal very zealous a- 
gainst known and manifest evils.. He was orthodox 
in his judgment, and very holy in his conversation. 
Very few ihat ever went out of the world so general- 
ly beloved and reverenced as this good man. He 
was a good man indeed, & full of the Holy Ghost : He 
lived to a good old age, and was full of days, and full 
of honour, being in the seventy-ninth year of his 
age, when the Lord took him to himself. He was 
interred with much honour and lamention. 

In the time of his languishing sickness he was visit- 
ed by the elders round about, especially on the six- 
teenth of May, the day after the court of election, 
when there being a general meeting of all the elders 



new-england's memorial. 189 

of the churches at his house, they requested Mr. Wil* 
son (because they knew not whether ever they should 
have the like opportunity to hear him speak again, 
and having been from the first a pillar amongst them, 
and of much experience in Jiis observation of the state 
of things) that he would solemnly declare unto them, 
what he conceived to be those sins amongst us, which 
provoked the displeasure of God against the country. 
He then told them, that he had divers times, and long 
feared these sins following, as chief, among others, 
which God was greatly provoked with, viz. 1 Separa- 
tion. 2. Anabaptism. 3. Corahism. 

This latter he did explain thus; viz. when people 
rise up, as Corah, against their ministers or elders, as 
if thej'^ took too much upon them, whon indeed they 
do but rule for Christ, and according to Christ ; yet 
(saith he) it is nothing for a brother to stand up, and 
oppose without scripiure or reason, the doctrine and 
word of the elder, saying,! am not satisfied, &:c. and 
hence, if he do not like the administration, be it bap- 
tism or the like, he will then turn his back upon God 
and his ordinances, and go away, &:c. And (saith he) 
for our neglect of baptising the children of the church, 
those that some call grand-children, I think that God 
is provoked by it. 

4. Another sin I take to be, That making light of, 
and not subjecting to the authority of Synods, with- 
out which the churches cannot long subsist. And so 
for the magistrates being Gallio like, either not car- 
ing for these things, or else not using their power and 
authority for the maintenance of the truth, and gos- 
pel and ordinances of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, and for the bearing thorough witness against 
the contrary : Should the Lord leave them hereunto, 
how miserable a people should we be! 

At night the assembly being dismissed with prayer, 
Mr. Wilson did (being desired by them so to do) in a 
solemn manner bless the elders, making a short 
prayer, saying, I am not like long to be with you, the 



190 new-england's memorial. 

Lord pardon us, and heal us, and make us more heav 
enly, and take us ofT fiom the world, and make us 
burning and shining li^ht!«, by our heavenly doctrine 
and example. And I beseech the Lord, with all my 
heart, to bless you, and to bless his churches, and to 
bless all his people, and to bless all your families, and 
to bless j^our wives, and to bless all your children, 
and your children's children ; and make us all more 
and more meet for our inheritance, and bring us all to 
it in his good time, Sic These words, with some 
few others, he spake with great affection, and with 
tears : And all the ministers wept with him, and they 
took their leave of him, even as children of their fa- 
ther, who having blessed them was about to die. 

Upon the death of that reverend^ (ig^^d., ever honoured^ and 
gracious servant of Christ, Mr, John Wilson^ pastor of 
a church in Boston : Interred August ^, 1667. 

Ah ! Now there's none who does not know 

That this day in our Israel 
la Taii'n a ^reat and g-ood man too, 

A Prince I might have said as well : 
A man of priQcely power with God, 

For faith and love of princely spirit; 
Our Israel's chariots, horsemen good, 

By faith and prayer, though not by merit. 
Renown'd for practic piety 

In Eng-lands both, from youth to age ; 
In Cambridge, Inns-Court", Sudbury, 

And each place of his pilgrimage. 
As humble as a little child, 

When yet in real worth high grown ; 
Himself a nothing still he stii'd. 

When God so much had for him done. 
In love a none-such ; as the sand. 

With largest heart God did him fill : 
A bounteous mind, an open hand, 

Affection sweet, all sweet'ning still. 
Love was his life ; he dy'd in love ; 

Love doth embahn bis memory; 
Love is his bliss and joy, above 

With God now who "is love for av. ♦ 

A comprehending charity 



jjew-england's memorial. \9} 

To all, where ought appear'd of good; 
And yet in zeal was none more high 

Against til' apparent serpents brood. 
To truth lie ever constant was, 

In judgment wond'rous orthodox ; 
In truth's cause never fearing face, 

As if he were another Knox. 
The prelates and their impositions 

Did never him conformist make ; 
But to avoid those superstitions, 

Great worldly hopes did he forsake. 
When in New England errors' wind 

From sundry other quarters blew; 
No one could him conforming find, 

Nought from the line of truth him drew. 
Firm stood he 'gainst the familist, 
And antinomian spirit strong; 
He never lov'd the sep'ratist, 

Nor yet the Anabaptists throng. 
Neither the tolerator's strain, 

Nor Quakers spirit could he brook j 
Nor bow'd to the Morellian train, 

Nor children's right did overlook. 
Nor did he slight our liberties. 

In civil and in church concerns. 
But precious were they in his eyes, 

Who stood among their fixed friends. 
Grave saint in England twice did give 

This farewell word to him; While j'oa 
Shall in that place (New England) live, 

No hurt shall happen thereunto. 
Strange word, and strangely verify 'd i 
He this day goes to's grave in peace. 
What changes sad shall us betide 

Now he is gone, we cannot guess ! 
What evil are we hast'ning to ! 

Lord spare thy people, but awaken^ 
When such away do from us go, 

That yet we may not be forsaken ! 
He a first corner stone was laid 

In poor New England's Boston's wall : 
Death pulls this out, the breach is wide: 

Oh let it not now tumble ail '. 
He's now at rest and reigns in bliss t 

In conflicts we are left behind, 
In fears and straits ; how shall we miss 
His faith, prayer, aeal, and peaceful miad. 



192 new-england's memorial. 

LorJ pour a double portion 

Of his sivoet i^racioiis, pioiiS spirit 
Oq prjor survivers ! let each one 

Somewhat thereof at least inherit ! 
Gains, cur liost, ah now is gone ! 

Can we e'er look for such another ? 
But yet there is a mansion, 

Where we majail turn m tog-ether- 
No moving^ inn, but resting' place, 

Where his blest soul is gathered; 
Where g"oo'<l f^^oxi going- are apace 

Into the bosom of their head. 

Ay thither let us haste away, 
Sure heaven w\l\ the sweeter be 
(If J here we ever come to stay) 

For him, and other such as he. 

Upon the death of that most reverend man of God^ Mr. 
John Wilson, pastor of the first church in Boston, in 
Kew England ; whose decease was August 7, 1667. 
JOHN WILSON, 

Anagr. 
JOHN WILSON, 

Oh change it not ! No sweeter name or thing 
Throughout the world within our ears shall ring. 

Whoso of Abr'am, Moses, Samuel reads, 

Or of Elijah, or Elisha's deeds. 

Would surely say their spirit and power was his, 

And think there were a Metempsychosis, 

Yea, like John Baptist in the wilderness, 

So was our John in Patmos here, no less. 

John, the divine, resembling therefore rather. 

And of New England's prophets was the father, 

John, the divine, whose life a revelation 

Of faith and love, and Christ to admiration, 

John, the divine, whom Jesus lov'd most dear, 

Sweet'ned with leaning on his bosom here : 

This is that John, whose death who doth not moaD, 

Hath sure no heart of flesh, but one of stone. 

He had the countries faith, and love, and zeal. 

Even grace enough for church and common-weal ; 

Whereby was propt up all the fabric still, 

Tliat else had tumbled down our Sion hill. 

Of merely men deserving glory more. 

You'll find nor martyr, nor a confessor. 



If3 

Inspir'd he was with the prophetic spirit 

Of all the prophets, which he did inherit. 

'Twixt an apostle and evang-elist, 

His order standeth in the heavenly list. 

If Paul himself amongst us dead had been, 

More tears or sorrow could not have been seen. 

They wept not more for this, that they should see 

His face no more, than now we mourners be. 

For heavenly poems most ang-elical, 

Composing volumes with delig-ht : Were all 

Butg-athered up in one, we should espy 

Enoug-h to fill an university. 

-And were another psalm-book made by thee, 

(Mictamof John) their title it should be. 

As ag"ed John th' apostle us'd to bless 

The people, which they judg'd their happiness: 

So we did count it worth our pilgrimag-e 

Unto him, for his blessing- in his age : 

Yet then, no babe more long-ing for the breast, 

Than he to take within the church his rest, 

To have the sincere milk of God's good word, 

Which to his soul all comfort did afford. 

Not heat, nor cold, nor rain, nor snow must bar; 

But every where becomes an auditor. 

Who ever laboured in the miaistrj-, 

More given, than he to hospitality ? 

To strangers, widows, fatherless, and all ; 

To friends and foes he was most liberal. 

Of all his prayers, sermons, travels, pains, 

He is ascended to heaven reap the gains. 

Oh for a double portion of thy spirit ! 

No richer treasure would we all inherit. 

JIastus apposuif. T. S 

1668. 

This year it pleased God to visit Kew England with 
the maoifestation of his displeasure, by the death of 
three eminent instruments : The first whereof was 
that worthy servant of Christ, Mr. Samuel Shepard, 
pastor of the church of Christ in Rowley, in New 
England, who deceased in the spring of this year, in 
the midst of his days, and in the beginning of his 
ministry. 'J'he second, that worthy man of God, Mr. 
Henry Flint, teacher of the church of Christ at 
Braintree, in New England, who ended his mortal 
17 



194 NEW-ENGLAND^S MEMOmXtV 

life the 27th of April, in this year ; a man ofkriowr) 
piety, gravity and integrity, and well accomplished 
with other qualifications fit for the work of the min- 
istry. The third and last, but not the least, that su- 
pereminent minister of the gospel (tightly so called) 
Mr. Johathan Mitchell, pastor of the church at Cam- 
bridge, in New England, who laid down his earthly' 
tabernacle on the ninth of July, in this year: Of 
whose rare endowments, and the great loss the whole 
land sustained hy his death, take this following brief 
account. 

Mr. Jonathan Mitchell was born at Halifax, in 
Yorkshire, in England, of pious and wealthy parents, 
who coming over to New England, brought him over 
young ; his education in learning was perfected at 
Harvard College, in Cambridge, where he attained 
to such a degree in knowledge, that he was soon call- 
ed to be a fellow of the college, and within a fewr 
years after bis lustre did so shine, that the chinch at 
Hartford, upon Connecticut river, made application 
to him in order to supply the place of that eminent 
servant of Christ, Mr. Thomas Hooker, a little before 
decaased ; but the church at Cambridge (by the ad- 
vice of their worthy pastor, Mr. |Thomas Shepard, 
then living) not willing to part with so great a treas- 
ure, became competitor with Hartford, and gave him 
a call to them. This loving strife between the two 
churches of Hartford and Cambridge about him, was 
in a short time decided by the awful hand of God, in 
the death of that eminent and glorious star, Mr. 
Thomas ^hepard, pastor at Cambridge; which place 
being wholly destitute, and Hartford being supplied 
with a teacher, namely, that worthy servant of the 
Lord, Mr. Samuel Stone, the ballance was cast for 
Cambridge, and in the year 1650 he was called and 
ordained their pastor. It was an eminent favour of 
God to that church to have this great breach thus 
made up, with a man so much of the spirit and princi- 
ples of their former pastor, and so excellently qualifi- 



^M%-E^'GLAi\D^S MEMOPJAL^. 195 

e^ with respect to the college : For, reason and pru- 
<3ence requireth that the minister of that place be 
more than ordinarily endowed wilh learning, gravity, 
wisdom, orthodoxness, ability, sweet and excellent 
gifts in preaching, that so tiie scholars which are de- 
voted and set apart, in order to be preaciiers of Uic 
gospel, miglit be seasoned with the spirit of snch an 
Elijah: In which regard, this holy man of God was 
eminently furnished, and his labours wonderfully 
blessed : for very many ot the scholars, bred up in 
tliis time (as is observed) do savour of his spirit, for 
grace and manner of preaching, which was most at- 
tractive. He lived pastor'of the church a!-i0ut eigh- 
teen years, and was most intense and faitliful in de- 
claring much of the counsel of Gcd. He went tljrough 
a gi-eat part of the body of divinity ; made a wry i>\- 
ceiient exposition of tlie bodk of Genesis, and part ( t 
Exodus; and delivered many fru'itfuland prohtablr 
serm(>j)!? on (he four first chapters of Jolm ; and in 
his m>' iithl} lectures, whicli wereabundantly free^iiiiH- 
ed, he pr.^achcd of man's misery by sin, and recovery 
by Christ Jesus; and died in the third part of it, viz. 
concerning man's obceience in Christ : Besides ma- 
ny otiier excellent truUis b}^ iiim taught upon divers 
occasions. In all his labours, God was wonderfully 
present with him. He was, a person ti at held very- 
near communion with God ; eminent in wisdom, pie- 
ty, humility, love, self-denial, arid of a compassionate 
and tender heart; surpassing in public spiritedness ; a 
mighty man in prayer, and eminent at standing in 
the gap; he was zealous for order, and faithful in as- 
serting the truth, against all oppugners of it. In a 
word, he was a man whom(iod had richly furnished, 
and eminently Httod for his work; lived desired, and 
died lamented by all good christians that knew him. 
It pleased God upon the ninth of July, 1668, in a hot 
and burning season, (but much more hot in the heat 
of God's anger to New England) to take him to rest 
and glory, about the 43d year of his age. His race 



196 NEW-ENGLAND'S MEMORIAL* 

was but short, but the work he did was very much. 
The elegies following may give the reader a further 
account of what esteem he was. 

Upon the death of that truly godly, reverend and faithful 
servant of Christ, Mr, Jonathan MitchdU pastor of the 
church at Cambridge, who deceased July 9, 1 663. 

"What shall we say? Of sad effects what fear? 

Four splendent stars exting-uish'd in one year ! 

Two old, one young-, and this of middle ag-e; 

A brig-htest lig-ht, most eyes who did engage. 

The Lord in's temple is, earth silence keep; 

Dispute not over-bold this judgment deep. 

A mourning- g-reat, each eye distilling streams : 

Sad sighs and sobs in most men's mouths their themes. 

And who can blame it ? for this we well may, 

If love, if fear, if temple-shakes bear sway. 

The wife hath lost her head, four hopeful stems 

A father ; Cambridg-e to their crowning- gems ; 

JNeig-hbours, a useful light; elders, a brother. 

Whose Itead and mouth made him to most a father. 

Sad Cambridge, when thou lost thy Thomas dear, 

God pitied thee, and gave a right compeer ; 

This Jonathan thy Mitchell, one in whom 

Was Much of EL, a Michael judg'd by some. 

Right strong in school, in desk of brightest shine ; 

Artist, good linguist, high orthodox divme; 

Of judgment deep; of memory how large ! 

Invention quick, grave, pleasant; who can charge 

Thee in thy theory or practice %vith dark fsi! ? 

I-iiimhlc, Rincf-re, w!iose love-cords did avail. 

M ich good by him you Can^') ridge Ifave rect-iv'd, 

lie gone, by you his reiicls see reliev'd. 

A royal quaere, 'twas when Jonathan dead, 

A royal act, Jonathan's stems to feed. "E. B. 

To the memory of that learned and reverend J\lr, Jonathan 
Mitchell, lale ministei of Cambridge, in Nevj England^ 
interred July 10, 1668. 

Qvicquid agimiis-, quicquid patimur venit ecc alto. 

The countries tears, be ye my spring; my hill, 
A general grave ; let groans inspire my quill. 
With an heart rending sense, drawn from the cries 
Of orphan churches, and the destinies 



NEW-iENGLAND's MEMORIAL. 197 

Ufa bereaved house : Let children weep, 
They scarce know why ; and let the mothers steep 
Her lifeless hopes in brine : The private friend 
Q-orwhelm'd with grief, falter, bib comforts end. 
By a warm sympathy let fev'rish heat 
Roam through my verse unseen : arid a cold sweat 
Limning despair, attend me; sighs dilFuse 
Convulsions through my language, such as use 
To type a gasping fancy ; lasllv shroud 
Religion's spiendor in a mournnig cloud, 
Rep«ete with vengeance for succeeding times, 
Fertile in woes, more fertile in their crimes. 
Those are my mu^e, these inspire the sails 
Of fancy, with their siglis instead of gales. 
Reatler, read rev'rend iVlitcheli's life, and thea 
Confess the world a Gordianknot again. 
Read his tear-deiug'd grave, and then decree 
Our present no, and future misery. 
Stars falling- speak a stoim : When Samuel dies, 
Steel maj expect Phiustia's cruelties. 
So when Jehovah's brighter glory fled 
The Temple, Israel was captive led. 
Geneva's triple Jight made one divine ; 
But here that vast triumvirate combine 
By 1 blest Metemps)chosis, to take 
One person for their larger Zodiac. 
In sucred censures, Farrel's dreadful scroll 
Of words, broke, from the pulpit to the soul. 
(I:idiils>ent parents when they spare, they spoilj 
Old wounds need vinegar as well as oil. 
Distasteful cates with iniseiif^s do suit; 
The Paschal lamj was eat with bitter fruit.) 
Id balmy comforts, Vircts genius came 
From the wrinkle 1 alps to woo the western dame ; 
And courting Cambridge, quickly tank from thence, 
Her lost degrees of rheloi ick and sense. 
Calvin's Laconics ihrougii his doctrine's spread, 
And chiidreu's children with their manna ied. 
His ejt[Josition Genesis begun. 
And fatal Exodus eclipsed his suo. 
Siine say that souls of sad presages give ; 
De.ilii-hreatliing sermons taught us last to live. 
One sows, another reaps, may truly be, 
Our grave instruction and his elegy. 
His system of religion half unheard, 
Full doable in his preaching life appear'd. 
Happy that place where ruiers' deeds appear, 
r th' front of battle, and their words i' the rear. 
17* 



198 

He's gone, to whom his country owes a love, 

Worthy the prudent serpent and the dove. 

Belig-jous Panoply, the sinners terror. 

Death summon'd hence sure by writ of error. 

The Quaker trembling at his thunder, fled 

And with CaUgula resum'd his bed. 

He by ihe motions of a nobler spirit, 

Clear'd men, and made their notions swine inherit. 

The monster goblin by his holy flood, 

Exercis'd, like a thin Phantasma stood. 

Brown's babel shatter'd by his lightning fell ; 

And with horror pack'd to hell. 

The scripture with a commentary bound, 

(Like a lost calice) in his heart was found. 

When he was sick, the air a fever took, 

And thirsty Phoebus quaft the silver brook. 

When dead the spheres in thunder, clouds and raia, 

Groan'd his eulogium, mourn'd and wept our pain. 

Let not the brazen schismatic aspire; 

Lot's leaving Sodom, left them to the fire. 

'Tis true, the bee's now dead, but yet his sting, 

Death's to their dronish doctrines yet may bring. 

EPITAPHIUM. 

Here lies within this comprehensive span. 
The churches, courts, and countries Jonathan, 
He that speaks Mitchell, gives the schools the lie ; 
Friendship in him gain'dan ubiquity. F. D. 

Vivet post funera virtus. 

An Epitaph upon the deplored death of that supereminent 

minister of the gospel, Mr, Jonathan Mitchdl. 

Here lies the darling of his time, 
Mitchell expired in his prime ; 
Who four years short of forty -seven, 
Was found full ripe and fit for heaven. 
Was full of prudent zeal and love. 
Faith, patience, wisdom from above : 
New England's stay, next age's story ; 
The churches gem ; the college glory. 
Angels may speak him ; ah ! not I, 
(Whose worth's above Hyperbole,) 
But for our loss, we'rt in my power, 
I'd weep an everlasting shower. 

A fourth minister that died this year, was Mr. Joha 
Eliot, jun. born at Roxbury in New England, eldest 



NEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAL, ] 99 

son of the reverend Mr. John Eliot, teacher of the 
church there. He was educated at Cambridge, in 
the latin school, and in the College, until he became 
master of arts; and a lew year^ alter was called to be 
pastor of a church within the bounds of Cambridge, 
upon the south side of Chajlcs river. He was a [jer- 
son excellently endowed, and accomplished with ^ifts 
of nature, learning, and grace ; ofcomt;ly proportion, 
ruddj^ complexion, cheerful countenance ; of quick ap- 
prehension, solid judgment, excellent prudence ; learn- 
ed both in tongues and arts for one of his time, and 
studiously intense in acquiring more knowledge. His 
abilities and acceptation in tlie ministry did excel ; 
his piet3% faith, love, humility, self-denial, atjd zeal, 
did eminently shine upon all occasions. He iiad (un- 
der the conduct of his father) by liis diligence, indus- 
try, and zeal (for the good of souls) attained to such 
skill in the Indian language, that he preached to the 
Indians sundry years; travelling many miles in a 
day once a fortnight to dispense the gospel lo them. 
The Indians have often said, that his preaching to 
them was precious and desirable ; and consequently 
their loss, and the obstruction in that work, much to 
be lamented. In a word, there was so much of God 
in him, that all the wise and godly who knew him, 
loved and honoured him in the Lord, and bewailed 
his death ; which fell upon the 13th day of October, 
1668, and of his age about 35 years, 

I shall close up this small historj^ with a word olf 
advice to the rising generation, that as now their god- 
ly predecessors have iiad large experience of the 
goodness and faithfulness of God, for the space of 
near forty six years (sonte of them) and have passed 
under various dis;v-;isri(ioMs, sometimes under great 
afflictions, othei while the sun shining uj)on their tab- 
ernacles in ways of peace and prosperity ; and }et 
notwithstanding, throui;:h the grace of Christ, the 
most of them have held their integrity in his ways : 



^00 new-england's memorial. 

That so, such as succeed them would follow their ex^ 
arnpiesi. so fJir as they have followed Christ; that it 
flight not be said of them, as it is to be feared it may 
be, by what yet appears amongst many of them, that 
indeed God did once plant a noble vine in New Eng- 
land, but it is degenerated into the plant of a strange 
vine, Jer. ii. 21. It were well that it might be said, 
that the rising generation did serve tfie Lord all the 
days of such as in thi^ our Israel are as Joshua's a- 
m( ijgst us. Josh. xxiv. 31. And the elders that over- 
liv'^d him, which have known all the works of the 
Loid, which lie haJh done for their fathers. But if 
yet not vith^tanding afterwards such shall forget, and 
not regard thuse his great woiks here presented be- 
fore them (besides many more that I hope by some 
others may come to their view) be they assured, he 
will destroy them, and not build them up, Psal. xxviii. 
6. Oil therefore, let the truly gndly in thi- land, be 
excited by the example of Moses, as the mouth of the 
church, to pray earnestly and incessantly unto the 
Lord, that his work may yet appear to his servants^ 
and his glory unto iheir children, Psal. yc, 16, !sa, 
xliv. 3, 4. And that he would pour out his spi: t up- 
on his church and people in New England, and iiis 
blessing upon their oflTspri up, ihat they may spring Up 
as among the gras?, and as tiie willows by the water- 
courses ; that so i^reat occaion there may be thereby 
of takinij notice thereof in sucteedini; generatioBS, to 
the praise and glory of God. So be it* 



A 
SUPPLEMENT 

TO 

BY ANOTHER HAND. 

1669. 

This year, 1669, was rendered sorrowful and re- 
markable, by the death ofCapt. Thomas Southworth, 
who full of faith and comfort, expired at Plymouth, 
December (lie 8t!i, being about fifty-three years old, 
after he had served God in his generation, faithfully, 
both in a public and private station. 

Thomas Prince, Esq. was again chosen Governor of 
this colony for this year, and so annually to the year 
1672. And March" 29lh, 1673, finished his course, 
in the 73d year of bis life ; having been a worthy, 
pious gentlrman, and very capable of the office of 
Governor, wijicli he sustained about eighteen years, 
being therein a terror to <vil doers, and an encour- 
ager ol those that did well : And v^as honouiably in- 
terred at Plytnoulh, April 8th, 1673. 

To whom succeeded as Governor^ at the leyt elec- 
tion, June 3d, 1673, the Hon. Josiah VVinslow, Esq. 
(son of the ganje Governor Winslow) in whose time, 
viz. June 24, 1675, broke out the Indian war by Piiil- 
jp, chief Sachem of Pockanockett, alias Mount-Hope, 
wherein God, foi- our sins, was pleased to render the 



202 new-england's memorial* 

Indians a great scourge to his people in this, and th(j 
other colonies of New England, both in their persons 
and estates. 'J'he war being attended with the usual 
barbarity of the lit:athen, burning of houses, murder- 
ing of men, women and children ; desolation of towns 
and setliements ; tedious ajid terrible captives, and 
continual fears and dangers; the Indians spreading 
themselves far and near, and effecting with their 
hands the revenge and malice of their hearts, until 
that God Almighty regarding our prayers, and suc- 
ceeding our endeavours, put a stop unto the outrages 
of the heathen in the year 1676, when Philip the per- 
fidious aggressor in the war, was slain on his cwn 
plantation near Mount-Hope (now BristoP^ by one of 
his own countrymen ; and others who had a great 
hand in our distresses, brought to condign punish- 
ment, or forced to fly their own country. 

Thus God preserved the vine, which his ov/n right 
hand had planted, and has enlarged our borders, by 
giving to us the heritage of the heathen, which th.ey 
justly forfeited bj' their unreasonable rebellion. 

Oil ! that the people of this, and the other colonies, 
would praise the Lord for his goodness, and wonder- 
ful works unto them, that so he may not be provoked 
to kindle such a fire amongst them. 

But a more particular account of this war has been 
faithfully recorded by the Rev. Mr. Hijl)bard, and 
Dr. Increase Mather, and others, to which i refer the 
reader. 

This Governor Winslow was annually chosen to 
that office to the year 1680. And in December 
1680, after many escapes in perilous fights and dan- 
gerous voyages, death arr<sted him at his seat in 
Marshfield, within the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, 
in the fifty-second year of his age. 

He was a wu!t';y and weil accomplished gentleman, 
deservedly beloved by the people, being a true friend 
to their just liberties, generous, facetious, affable and 
sincere, qualities incident to the family. 



NEW-ENGLAND S MEMORIAli. 



203 



In 1681, June 7th, Thomas Hinkley, Esq. was 
chosen Governor, and by annual election continued 
to 1686. 

In the year 1683, the government being much en- 
larged through the divine benediction upon their la- 
bour and industry; the colony veas divided into three 
counties, viz the county of Plymouth, of which the 
shire-town is Plymouth. 

The coni5ty of Barnstable, the shire-townBarnstable. 

The county of Bristol, Bristol being the shire-tow n. 

In the county of Plymouth, are now ten towns, viz. 
Plymouth, Duxbury, Marshfield, Scituate, Bridge- 
water, Abington, Pembroke, Plympton, Middlebo- 
rough, and Rochester. 

In the couniy of Barnstable, are eight towns, viz. 
Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Hartford, Eastham, 
Truro, Falmouth and Chatham. 

In the couniy of Bristol, are twelve towns, viz. 
Bristol, Rehoboth, Swanzey, Taunton, Dighton, Nor- 
ton, Barrington, Freetown, Tiverton, Dartmouth, 
Little-Compton and Attleborough. 

In December, 1686, Sir Edmund Andross arrived 
at Boston, with a large commission from his Majesty 
King James the second, comprehending the govern- 
ments of the Massachusetts, Plymouth, Rhode-Island, 
Connecticut, «&:c. who continued our Governor till the 
happy and glorious REVOLUTION under King 
William and Queen Mary, of blessed memory. 

In April, 1689. Sir Edmund Andross being dismiss- 
ed from his government, each colony reassumed their 
former powers, and Mr. Hinkley was annually elect- 
ed Governor to the year 1691. 

Our last election of Governor, Deputy Governor, 
and assistants, being Tune 2, 1691, the said Mr. Hink- 
ley was chosen Governor, and William Bradford, Esq. 
Deputy Governor, John Freeman, Daniel Smith, Bar- 
nabas Lothrop, John Thacher, John Watley, John 
Gushing, assistants, and Mr. Samuel Sprague, secre- 
tary. 



204 new-england's memorial. 

And note, that Constant South worth, James Brown 
and James Cudworth, first chosen, between the year 
1670 and 1675, assistants in government, are the on- 
ly assistants, whose names are not mentioned in this 
book, and therefore here inserted. 

In the year 1690 was the unsuecessful attempt on 
Canada, in which Plymouth bore its part, both in 
charge and loss. 

And in the same year the Massachusetts sending 
over their agents to England (with whom went the 
reverend Mv. Ichabod Wis wall from Plymouth colo- 
ny) obtained of King William and ^ueen Mary, a 
charter, containing many valuable privileges, where- 
in Plymouth (with some other additions) was united 
to the Massachusetts and incorporated into one real 
province, by the name of the Massachusetts Bay, in 
New England ; the king reserving to himself and 
successors, the power of appointing Governor, Lieut. 
Governor, and Secretary ; and consonant to this new 
constitution. Sir William Phips, Knight, being com- 
missioned our first Governor, arrived at Boston with 
the new charter. May, 1 692, under which constitu- 
tion we have ever since continued. 



ji . JJ iji 



4^1 



